judy4etsu's Journal

A made-up 'what if ?' story by Judy about Sass's adventure in Cades Cove, TN!

My friend Sass and I got to meet in Pigeon Forge, TN in Nov 2008 after having initially met on the internet at a online Parkinson's disease community. We were both diagnosed with PD in 2002, when she was 60 and I was 40. We have hit it off and have some very similiar PD quirks. One of those is being somewhat compulsive. I think the following story will demonstrate my point.

Now you must know a couple of things about a difference in Sass and me. She is ready (or putting on a good act) to get a real tattoo!..Me, never will get one...too chicken here. And Sass can strike up a conversation or relate to about anyone or anything. Not me, at least not in person.

So on to my story...We had decided to visit Cades Cove. It is a beautiful historic spot with an 11- mile driving trail around it. In the open fields many people often see deer or on special occassins, a bear or two. We had already seen some deer from a distance and up close. The guys and Sass really wanted to see a bear...me? I could care less, but if we saw one I don't think I'd be takin any pictures too close.

We had stopped several times to see some of the old homes and churches there. At one of our last stops, we were looking at an old barn. The guys had gone across the street to see the house there. I was about ready to follow the guys when Sass quietly spoke my name from the back of the barn. I peeked around the corner and she motioned me to be quiet and come closer. She pointed to the ground and whispered, "I think a bear is nearby--see this paw print?" I was spkeptical....I said, "Sass, I know you have done many things in your life, but since when are you a bear tracker?" She told me, "alright then, don't come with me and get a bear picture!" I asked "what about the guys?" She said by the time they get here I just know he will be gone. So, who was I to leave a 66 year old grandmother alone for bear bait?

About that time we heard a grunting sound over in the woods and saw some reflective eyes turn our way. The eyes were in the middle of a wide shadow. Sass, turned and was all puffed up and said "told ya a bear was here!" By now I am shaking worse than any PD tremor ever occurred in my body. Sass scrunched down and started inching toward the bear. I started to clear my throat to speak but no words would come out. My mind was telling me "this is what you get for thinking everyone you meet online is sane!" Sass turned and gave me the "if-you-make-another-sound-I'll-kill-you" look...so I obeyed and started praying.

When Sass was about 10 yards from the bear, she pops up and says "Hey, Mr. Bear...where have you ben keeping yourself?" Well, the poor bear about jumped out of it's skin, she had surprised him!. "Oh, I'm sorry to startle you", Sass exclaimed. She proceeded closer with her hand outstretched and introduced herself. I was praying, "Please God, don't let her mention her friend hiding behind the big dead log!" Sass, always the polite Northerner trying to act like a sweet Southern belle, put her arm around the bear and walked on over to a place where they could both sit and converse. I think I must have passed out for a minute or so...surely Sass would not be crazy enough to trust that bear to not eat her next! Anyway, when I came to again, Sass was leaning over me asking if I was OK? I stammered..."Sass! you are alive! did I just dream that you were talking a bear over there?" She said, of couse I was talking to the bear! Why wouldn't I?" I said, "but how can you do that?" To which she calmly replied..."I hypnotized him!!!" All I could do was laugh and shake my head at the time when Sass "bearly" got away. And I didn't get a pic of it!

So this will only add to her legendary status. On the way back to the hotel, we got her a bearskin hat to wear to the next Red Hatters meeting! And that's my "could-it-have-really-happened-that-way? story of Sass on her visit to Cades Cove!

(fade out to the tune of "davy, davy Crockett") LOL