"Say, ‘Apple’, Oakley… Say, ‘Seed’…"

Well, the end of an era has arrived. Not really, but it’s coming. The Martin family (starting with Tim’s parents and maybe before) frequently sings as a prayer before meals. Tim’s, Jenni’s, and Karen’s families have continued the tradition. Perhaps the most frequent, beloved song is the one we call “Johnny Appleseed”. The tradition is that the youngest member of the family is given the opportunity to solo on the word appleseed. Well, as Oakley is still learning the song, the following has been our version for the last several months…

All: Oh, the Lord is good to me

All: And so I thank the Lord

All: For giving me, the things I need

All: The sun, the rain, and the…

Aspen: Say ‘apple’, Oakley

Oakley: Apple!

Aspen: Say ‘seed’, Oakley

Oakley: Seed!

Aspen: The Lord is good to me.

Oakley: Amen

Well, last night, it took a slightly different turn…

All: Oh, the Lord is good to me

All: And so I thank the Lord

All: For giving me, the things I need

All: The sun, the rain, and the…

Tim: Say ‘appleseed’, Oakley

Oakley: Apple!

Tim: Say ‘appleseed’, Oakley

Oakley: Apple!

Tim: Say ‘appleseed’, Oakley

Oakley: Apple…seed!

All: Yeah, Oakley!!!!

…

So, we’re excited and sad to see the end of a version of Johnny Appleseed.