August 22, 2024 • 18 mins
What if the wisdom of our elders could guide us through the complexities of modern life? Join us for an extraordinary episode of "Let's Just Talk About It" as we honor the life and legacy of Ms. Mary Fountain, a woman whose 84 years were filled with resilience, love, and profound insights. In this heartfelt conversation, Ms. Mary takes us on a journey through her upbringing in New Jersey, recounting stories of helping her father with his store and managing household duties from a young age. Her reflections on a disciplined childhood, the educational influence of her father, and her family's encounters with segregation provide a powerful testament to the strength and endurance that defined her life.
As we navigate through this poignant dialogue, we also contrast the evolving dynamics of family and society, particularly focusing on the behavior and upbringing of today's youth compared to past generations. Ms. Mary shares personal anecdotes and sage advice, emphasizing the importance of patience, cherishing dreams, and not rushing through life's stages. Alongside these reflections, we celebrate the significance of familial bonds and the enduring impact that elders have on shaping our lives. Tune in to experience a tapestry of love, wisdom, and gratitude, honoring the legacy of Ms. Mary Fountain and the timeless lessons she leaves behind.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Chuck (00:10):
Hey, welcome back to another episode of let' Just
Talk About it podcast.
I'm your host, chuck, and ifyou're here for the first time,
this platform was created togive genuine people just like
you an opportunity to share aportion of your life's journey.
So, with that being said, hey,I've had a lot of great episodes
with some amazing people, butthis conversation right here
that I had with Miss MaryFountain is dear to my heart.
(00:31):
She was full of love, laughterand life, but unfortunately, on
November the 29th 2022, shepassed away quietly from her
journey.
So, hey, today I just wanted toshare this amazing woman's
valuable wisdom again with theworld.
You know what?
As a matter of fact, do me afavor Go and grab your husband,
your wife, your children, oreven call a friend and gather
(00:53):
around to listen to thisconversation that I had with MS
Mary Fountain on let's Just TalkAbout it podcast.
Hey, let's jump right in.
How you doing, ms Mary?
MS Mary Fountain (01:05):
Just fine.
How are you?
Chuck (01:07):
Doing good.
First of all, I want to saythank you so much for coming on
to do this interview with me onlet's Just Talk About it podcast
.
I really appreciate you.
I love jumping in to myconversation, so, ms Mary, tell
me where you're from.
MS Mary Fountain (01:21):
I am from New Jersey.
Chuck (01:22):
New Jersey.
What part of New Jersey, oh?
MS Mary Fountain (01:25):
my.
That's a short story by itself.
I got you.
I was born in Elizabeth, newJersey.
I went to New York and Harlemand stayed there five years
right out of the hospital, and Iwent to Plainfield, new Jersey,
and did my childhood yearsgrowing up and helping my father
(01:46):
with his store, and from therewe moved to Elizabeth, new
Jersey.
Chuck (01:50):
Okay, you just celebrated a birthday.
MS Mary Fountain (01:53):
Yes, I did.
Wow, I was blessed, you wasblessed.
Chuck (01:57):
I was blessed, so if I may ask, how old did you turn?
MS Mary Fountain (02:01):
84.
Chuck (02:02):
84.
84.
Shout out to Miss Maryary 84years old it is.
It's a great segue into one ofthe reasons why I wanted to have
you on, miss mary.
First of all I wanted to haveyou on is because, first of all,
I love you and, uh, you're dearto my heart and I love our
conversations off air.
But, second of all, because Ithought it would be a good you
(02:23):
know good thing to share yourvoice with the world, because I
believe you have so much toshare.
I've had younger voices on mypodcast, but I thought wouldn't
it be great to hear the voice ofone of our seniors?
And so that's when I asked youwould you, would you mind coming
on to share a portion of yourlife, to give us some of your
wisdom that you've learned alongthe way?
(02:44):
And I believe, because oftechnology, this generation
doesn't doesn't value the voicesof our seniors anymore, and so
I'm glad to have you on.
And you said you grew up inElizabeth, new Jersey.
So how was that for you growingup back then?
MS Mary Fountain (03:00):
Like you mentioned to me, that was the
quiet generation.
Quiet generation and to lookback at it, it was, and so you
did what you were told, withouta lot of conversation, and you
did it as quietly as possible.
It was a nice growing up period.
My father was an educator.
(03:21):
Like he would read all the time.
Chuck (03:23):
Wow.
MS Mary Fountain (03:24):
And so he started me writing letters to
the bishops and elders becausehe was a minister and he
communicated by me writing theletters so I would get my
handwriting correct.
It wouldn't be, you know, itwould be nice for them to
receive it.
And my mother.
I helped her in the kitchenwhen she came home from work and
(03:46):
then it got to the point whereI started cooking dinner when it
was almost time for her to comehome.
I would start with the dinner,I would make the fire and start
the dinner blanket.
That's when we had coals backthen.
Chuck (03:58):
Coals back then, wow, so you had to throw the coals in
the fire to keep the house warm.
MS Mary Fountain (04:04):
I had to make it from the beginning.
You know the wood, thenewspaper, the coals, and then
it caught.
You know, when you catch itreal good, then you bank it,
bank it and let it burn slowuntil you know my mother would
come in and she would startcooking.
Chuck (04:22):
But you would start the fire.
MS Mary Fountain (04:23):
But I could start the fire.
Chuck (04:24):
Wow.
So do you remember those?
What years were those?
Like 1920 or whatever.
MS Mary Fountain (04:32):
I would say no , they was like 59.
Chuck (04:36):
59?
.
MS Mary Fountain (04:37):
No, no, no A little earlier.
No, it was earlier, it was like49.
Okay, 49, and I was growing up.
I was still in school.
So when I came home I had workto do, you had to do chores,
there wasn't no go outside andplay.
Chuck (04:51):
Couldn't go out anywhere.
I just had to do what you hadto do first you had to do your
chores Right.
MS Mary Fountain (04:55):
I had to help my father in the store and then
I'd go in the kitchen part andget usually it's the rice or
potatoes, okay, whatevervegetables my mother was having.
I'd start them and then shewould come in and start the
dinner.
Chuck (05:12):
Wow, so so do you remember in those days.
I know it was a lot of.
I don't think slavery was thatmuch in force during those days,
but I believe you experiencedsome type of segregation back
then yes, um how was that?
MS Mary Fountain (05:28):
my um.
That reason was my father hadgave my mother a house for a
wedding present in New BrunswickHeights, new Jersey, and he
told us to go head out there andget a good night's sleep my
mother and some of the childrenand when we caught the bus we
(05:48):
didn't have a car, we caught thebus.
And when we got off the bus laststop, my mother stopped and
looked around and she got us alltogether and she said I don't
want no noise, I don't want youto step on the stone, but I want
you to walk.
Keep up with me, let's getthrough this path and get in the
(06:09):
house.
And I light the light and I wasin the back with the girls, and
so nothing but me was to turnaround and look.
Chuck (06:18):
Okay, so you turned around.
MS Mary Fountain (06:20):
I turned around to the right and looked
over my shoulder, wow, and Iseen the white and looked over
my shoulder.
Chuck (06:24):
Wow.
MS Mary Fountain (06:25):
And I seen the white sheets and the pointed
heads.
And then I saw the fire.
The flames went up so high andI went flying to the front of
the line and said Mama, there'sfire.
She got down, she know, shesquatted down and she didn't say
a word.
She just picked up her speedand everybody followed her speed
(06:47):
and we walked.
And the mule that was in thefield, he just stood there and
looked at us and didn't say aword.
Chuck (06:54):
Wow, the people with the pointed hats and white sheets.
MS Mary Fountain (06:56):
Yes, and we got in the house and locked
doors and pulled curtains in.
Wow, scary moment.
But that was.
That was a time that I seen.
And the other part of history Iseen was when we had the stamps
.
Stamps, you know, the booksthey would give you.
Chuck (07:17):
The book of stamps?
Yes, the book of stamps.
MS Mary Fountain (07:19):
Yes, ma'am, and you would go, they would let
you know when to go and bringthe stamps.
And you would go, they wouldlet you know when to go, mm-hmm
and bring the stamps and youwould get sugar, or you know
staples Okay.
And I was sitting up there atthe table playing with them
because I thought it wassomething to play with, and so I
got tapped on my hand.
You know, she said that'snothing to play with.
Chuck (07:43):
Right, yeah.
So how long did you stay in NewJersey?
When did you decide to leaveNew Jersey?
I left New.
MS Mary Fountain (07:51):
Jersey.
You see, I left New Jersey whenI left Newark, new Jersey,
newark, new Jersey, okay, and Icame to Georgia.
Chuck (07:59):
So you left the North and came South.
MS Mary Fountain (08:01):
Yes, wow.
Even though my mother told menot to, I did it.
Chuck (08:06):
Did it anyway.
MS Mary Fountain (08:07):
Yes, but she was specifically telling me
don't go south.
Chuck (08:14):
Because it's trouble down south.
MS Mary Fountain (08:15):
I had a daughter that was in the army in
Georgia.
Chuck (08:19):
Right.
MS Mary Fountain (08:20):
And so I came to be closer to her.
So we all came Came to Georgia.
So how all?
Chuck (08:24):
came, came to Georgia.
So how long did you stay inGeorgia?
What was that?
Like you know, you say you camefrom the north and then you
went to south to Georgia.
How was that?
Like Did you start a new lifethere?
MS Mary Fountain (08:36):
Yes, I did Okay and it was nice.
I met people and I didn't thinkI would meet.
I met a good friend, sharon,and I got jobs, I worked, and so
it was nice living there.
Chuck (08:51):
Right, Wow.
So in Georgia you met a coupleof friends, so you settled there
.
So you was in Georgia.
For how many years, Ms Mary?
MS Mary Fountain (08:59):
About 20, I'd say about 21 years 21 years.
Chuck (09:04):
So, being in Georgia, you're there 21 years, so you
had your daughter, so you raisedyour kids in Georgia.
MS Mary Fountain (09:10):
They finished school in Georgia, yes, but the
oldest one she finished inNewark, New Jersey.
Chuck (09:17):
So I got a question what would you say to this young
generation today?
Is there a real big differencefrom back then to now?
What would you say to thisyoung generation?
MS Mary Fountain (09:32):
It's the way that they are raised and I feel
like when they took God out ofchurch, out of school, when they
took God out of school and outof the home, it messed with the
family.
So it's not much that peopledon't have a choice of talking
to children.
They don't know what familyVery few that you can talk to
(09:56):
that will tell you where familyis, the borderline of family,
and so it's kind of hard.
So you have to really talk tothem and but you got to talk
early, right you really got totalk early and make it fun that
you're going to be there.
You're going to love them and,um, hopefully they'll hold on to
(10:20):
that.
Just like like some.
I ask some do they want a crosson their graduation and they're
not taught about the cross?
Chuck (10:29):
They're not taught.
No, what do you think is beingtaught now?
MS Mary Fountain (10:32):
They think and feel what they think and feel
at the time they're feeling it.
So if they're angry, they showit.
Now, if they want to saysomething out of their mouth,
they say it.
They don't think, you know.
Let me be still and listen orbe quiet, you know.
But you know you have to bepatient with them.
I just say you have to lovethem.
Chuck (10:54):
So you feel that it's a big difference.
It's a big difference, right.
MS Mary Fountain (10:57):
Yes, because the young men that's out of the
house at 10 o'clock at night, 11o'clock at night that wouldn't
have been like that before.
You had a certain time to be athome.
Right, because home is family,you know, home is where you're
safe at.
But that was that time.
They don't practice that.
Now the parents can ask them,they'll tell them, but it's not
(11:22):
something they practice.
Yeah, because they think thatthey have grown, they're able to
do whatever they want to do.
They can handle it.
So you get to an age that yougo back to being quiet.
Chuck (11:38):
So you can't say no more.
MS Mary Fountain (11:40):
Yeah, you go back to being quiet, because
what is there to say If they'resaying it all?
There's nothing to say, so youlet that go.
And my mother came from a largefamily.
She had three sisters and twobrothers and I was the baby of
now.
Chuck (12:00):
I was number nine, so there was a lot of us.
MS Mary Fountain (12:05):
So you didn't see the fussing and the fighting
and whatever.
You didn't see that.
You seen a lot of laughter.
If there was a disgruntledsituation, you see it and then
they smooth away.
My mother would get up and walkthrough the room and you see it
smooth away.
Chuck (12:22):
What do you mean by that?
MS Mary Fountain (12:23):
Whatever they was fussing about would go away.
It was smooth away.
You know, my mother would justwalk in the room and it would
stop, walk through the room andeverything would go quiet.
But now when I see that goingon, it goes on and on, it's
funny.
But children will be children,yeah, and maybe they do need to
(12:47):
talk now because the governmentis different, you know, the
people are different, so they dohave to speak up for themselves
, I imagine.
And the churches there's somany different churches, they
don't know what to pick.
You know, if you listen to thedifferent churches, your mind
whirls with it, because there'sthis church and that church and
(13:10):
this church.
So you got to be strong in yourfaith.
But you got to have a beginning.
Yes, god knew when he createdus.
He knew what we was going to do, because he put that will in us
and that thought in us.
But he gave us a choice.
Chuck (13:26):
Yes.
MS Mary Fountain (13:26):
And it was up to us to make the right choice.
Chuck (13:29):
What would you change about today if you had an
opportunity to change it?
You know, as you look back,change of what you see going on.
Now, what would you dodifferent?
MS Mary Fountain (13:38):
I would let the children have family and let
family be the village that itused to be, you know, because
the family used to be thevillage where children can go
and be safe.
And children was children andthey know who to believe in,
what to say and what not to say.
Right, I think that would benice.
Chuck (14:00):
To go back to that.
MS Mary Fountain (14:06):
Yes, because it would be a beautiful thing to
be able to talk to each otherand know that you're being heard
and cared about.
Chuck (14:09):
If you could go back, what would you say to your
younger self?
I always ask that question.
What would you go back to say?
If you had an opportunity to goback and talk to the younger
Mary, what would you saydifferent?
What would you say to her?
MS Mary Fountain (14:23):
Be patient.
Be patient Because I justwanted to do things and look
like I wasn't doing it fastenough, and by me being the last
child at home I couldn't tellit to nobody, so I was like
raring to go.
Chuck (14:42):
Ready to get out.
MS Mary Fountain (14:44):
Yeah, I wanted to see what was around the
corner.
I always wanted to see what'saround.
A parade would come.
Chuck (14:53):
Yeah.
MS Mary Fountain (14:53):
And I would follow that parade.
And then I'd look back and Isaw my mother.
I'd go back and she would lookat me standing and smile.
She'd say go ahead.
Chuck (15:02):
Yeah, it was curious.
MS Mary Fountain (15:06):
Yeah, because I know you like the parades.
You know the music and thedrums and the excitement.
Chuck (15:12):
If you had the opportunity to talk to a young
lady or a young man right now,what would you say to them?
MS Mary Fountain (15:18):
Well, it's all depending on the age group.
Chuck (15:20):
Yeah.
MS Mary Fountain (15:21):
I would tell them take your time, don't let
your dream go.
Always keep your dream alive,wow and be patient.
It's going to happen.
It's going to happen, it'sgoing to happen, and hold on to
your dream.
Chuck (15:35):
And don't be so quick to rush.
MS Mary Fountain (15:37):
Yeah, don't be so quick.
I think we all go through that,because you're going to learn.
You're going to learn.
Chuck (15:42):
I think we all go through that part Wanting to get out,
get out, get off the porch wouldstay in the house.
Yeah, yes, you're right aboutthat oh man, yes man, but I, I
just wanted to get your voice.
(16:02):
Um, so we have your voice.
Yeah well, we always talktogether.
Absolutely, absolutely.
I just, I just wanted yourvoice on record, so, okay yes,
it was.
It was as always.
It's great talking to you andhearing your voice and hearing
your wisdom okay, is anything?
MS Mary Fountain (16:22):
is anything you can do this again?
Yes, ma'am, is there anythingyou?
Chuck (16:25):
want to say, before we um sign off.
MS Mary Fountain (16:28):
I thank God for you and I thank God that he
saw you coming down the road.
I met you and we've beentogether ever since.
Chuck (16:37):
I appreciate you too.
Thank you for coming on.
Let's just talk about it.
This won't be the last time, no, it won't.
MS Mary Fountain (16:44):
Yes, ma'am, it won't be the last time.
Chuck (16:46):
Yes, ma'am, love you, I love you to life.
MS Mary Fountain (16:48):
Love you too, all right, love the family.
Chuck (16:51):
Wow, what an amazing conversation.
Again, shout out to you, missMary, we love you and we miss
you.
Your life, love and laughterstill lives on.
Thank you, and I want to thankeveryone for always tuning in to
let's just talk about itpodcast, and if you have any
media needs, such as videography, photography, you can reach out
to me and my partner.
Photography, you can reach outto me and my partner Low Mills
(17:12):
at M&B Media, found on Facebook.
So, hey, as always, thank youso much for always tuning in and
until next time, don't hold itin, but let's just talk about it
.
Talk to you soon, thank you.
Hey, welcome back to another episode of let' Just
Talk About it podcast.
I'm your host, chuck, and ifyou're here for the first time,
this platform was created togive genuine people just like
you an opportunity to share aportion of your life's journey.
So, with that being said, hey,I've had a lot of great episodes
with some amazing people, butthis conversation right here
that I had with Miss MaryFountain is dear to my heart.
(00:31):
She was full of love, laughterand life, but unfortunately, on
November the 29th 2022, shepassed away quietly from her
journey.
So, hey, today I just wanted toshare this amazing woman's
valuable wisdom again with theworld.
You know what?
As a matter of fact, do me afavor Go and grab your husband,
your wife, your children, oreven call a friend and gather
(00:53):
around to listen to thisconversation that I had with MS
Mary Fountain on let's Just TalkAbout it podcast.
Hey, let's jump right in.
How you doing, ms Mary?
MS Mary Fountain (01:05):
Just fine.
How are you?
Chuck (01:07):
Doing good.
First of all, I want to saythank you so much for coming on
to do this interview with me onlet's Just Talk About it podcast
.
I really appreciate you.
I love jumping in to myconversation, so, ms Mary, tell
me where you're from.
MS Mary Fountain (01:21):
I am from New Jersey.
Chuck (01:22):
New Jersey.
What part of New Jersey, oh?
MS Mary Fountain (01:25):
my.
That's a short story by itself.
I got you.
I was born in Elizabeth, newJersey.
I went to New York and Harlemand stayed there five years
right out of the hospital, and Iwent to Plainfield, new Jersey,
and did my childhood yearsgrowing up and helping my father
(01:46):
with his store, and from therewe moved to Elizabeth, new
Jersey.
Chuck (01:50):
Okay, you just celebrated a birthday.
MS Mary Fountain (01:53):
Yes, I did.
Wow, I was blessed, you wasblessed.
Chuck (01:57):
I was blessed, so if I may ask, how old did you turn?
MS Mary Fountain (02:01):
84.
Chuck (02:02):
84.
84.
Shout out to Miss Maryary 84years old it is.
It's a great segue into one ofthe reasons why I wanted to have
you on, miss mary.
First of all I wanted to haveyou on is because, first of all,
I love you and, uh, you're dearto my heart and I love our
conversations off air.
But, second of all, because Ithought it would be a good you
(02:23):
know good thing to share yourvoice with the world, because I
believe you have so much toshare.
I've had younger voices on mypodcast, but I thought wouldn't
it be great to hear the voice ofone of our seniors?
And so that's when I asked youwould you, would you mind coming
on to share a portion of yourlife, to give us some of your
wisdom that you've learned alongthe way?
(02:44):
And I believe, because oftechnology, this generation
doesn't doesn't value the voicesof our seniors anymore, and so
I'm glad to have you on.
And you said you grew up inElizabeth, new Jersey.
So how was that for you growingup back then?
MS Mary Fountain (03:00):
Like you mentioned to me, that was the
quiet generation.
Quiet generation and to lookback at it, it was, and so you
did what you were told, withouta lot of conversation, and you
did it as quietly as possible.
It was a nice growing up period.
My father was an educator.
(03:21):
Like he would read all the time.
Chuck (03:23):
Wow.
MS Mary Fountain (03:24):
And so he started me writing letters to
the bishops and elders becausehe was a minister and he
communicated by me writing theletters so I would get my
handwriting correct.
It wouldn't be, you know, itwould be nice for them to
receive it.
And my mother.
I helped her in the kitchenwhen she came home from work and
(03:46):
then it got to the point whereI started cooking dinner when it
was almost time for her to comehome.
I would start with the dinner,I would make the fire and start
the dinner blanket.
That's when we had coals backthen.
Chuck (03:58):
Coals back then, wow, so you had to throw the coals in
the fire to keep the house warm.
MS Mary Fountain (04:04):
I had to make it from the beginning.
You know the wood, thenewspaper, the coals, and then
it caught.
You know, when you catch itreal good, then you bank it,
bank it and let it burn slowuntil you know my mother would
come in and she would startcooking.
Chuck (04:22):
But you would start the fire.
MS Mary Fountain (04:23):
But I could start the fire.
Chuck (04:24):
Wow.
So do you remember those?
What years were those?
Like 1920 or whatever.
MS Mary Fountain (04:32):
I would say no , they was like 59.
Chuck (04:36):
59?
.
MS Mary Fountain (04:37):
No, no, no A little earlier.
No, it was earlier, it was like49.
Okay, 49, and I was growing up.
I was still in school.
So when I came home I had workto do, you had to do chores,
there wasn't no go outside andplay.
Chuck (04:51):
Couldn't go out anywhere.
I just had to do what you hadto do first you had to do your
chores Right.
MS Mary Fountain (04:55):
I had to help my father in the store and then
I'd go in the kitchen part andget usually it's the rice or
potatoes, okay, whatevervegetables my mother was having.
I'd start them and then shewould come in and start the
dinner.
Chuck (05:12):
Wow, so so do you remember in those days.
I know it was a lot of.
I don't think slavery was thatmuch in force during those days,
but I believe you experiencedsome type of segregation back
then yes, um how was that?
MS Mary Fountain (05:28):
my um.
That reason was my father hadgave my mother a house for a
wedding present in New BrunswickHeights, new Jersey, and he
told us to go head out there andget a good night's sleep my
mother and some of the childrenand when we caught the bus we
(05:48):
didn't have a car, we caught thebus.
And when we got off the bus laststop, my mother stopped and
looked around and she got us alltogether and she said I don't
want no noise, I don't want youto step on the stone, but I want
you to walk.
Keep up with me, let's getthrough this path and get in the
(06:09):
house.
And I light the light and I wasin the back with the girls, and
so nothing but me was to turnaround and look.
Chuck (06:18):
Okay, so you turned around.
MS Mary Fountain (06:20):
I turned around to the right and looked
over my shoulder, wow, and Iseen the white and looked over
my shoulder.
Chuck (06:24):
Wow.
MS Mary Fountain (06:25):
And I seen the white sheets and the pointed
heads.
And then I saw the fire.
The flames went up so high andI went flying to the front of
the line and said Mama, there'sfire.
She got down, she know, shesquatted down and she didn't say
a word.
She just picked up her speedand everybody followed her speed
(06:47):
and we walked.
And the mule that was in thefield, he just stood there and
looked at us and didn't say aword.
Chuck (06:54):
Wow, the people with the pointed hats and white sheets.
MS Mary Fountain (06:56):
Yes, and we got in the house and locked
doors and pulled curtains in.
Wow, scary moment.
But that was.
That was a time that I seen.
And the other part of history Iseen was when we had the stamps
.
Stamps, you know, the booksthey would give you.
Chuck (07:17):
The book of stamps?
Yes, the book of stamps.
MS Mary Fountain (07:19):
Yes, ma'am, and you would go, they would let
you know when to go and bringthe stamps.
And you would go, they wouldlet you know when to go, mm-hmm
and bring the stamps and youwould get sugar, or you know
staples Okay.
And I was sitting up there atthe table playing with them
because I thought it wassomething to play with, and so I
got tapped on my hand.
You know, she said that'snothing to play with.
Chuck (07:43):
Right, yeah.
So how long did you stay in NewJersey?
When did you decide to leaveNew Jersey?
I left New.
MS Mary Fountain (07:51):
Jersey.
You see, I left New Jersey whenI left Newark, new Jersey,
newark, new Jersey, okay, and Icame to Georgia.
Chuck (07:59):
So you left the North and came South.
MS Mary Fountain (08:01):
Yes, wow.
Even though my mother told menot to, I did it.
Chuck (08:06):
Did it anyway.
MS Mary Fountain (08:07):
Yes, but she was specifically telling me
don't go south.
Chuck (08:14):
Because it's trouble down south.
MS Mary Fountain (08:15):
I had a daughter that was in the army in
Georgia.
Chuck (08:19):
Right.
MS Mary Fountain (08:20):
And so I came to be closer to her.
So we all came Came to Georgia.
So how all?
Chuck (08:24):
came, came to Georgia.
So how long did you stay inGeorgia?
What was that?
Like you know, you say you camefrom the north and then you
went to south to Georgia.
How was that?
Like Did you start a new lifethere?
MS Mary Fountain (08:36):
Yes, I did Okay and it was nice.
I met people and I didn't thinkI would meet.
I met a good friend, sharon,and I got jobs, I worked, and so
it was nice living there.
Chuck (08:51):
Right, Wow.
So in Georgia you met a coupleof friends, so you settled there
.
So you was in Georgia.
For how many years, Ms Mary?
MS Mary Fountain (08:59):
About 20, I'd say about 21 years 21 years.
Chuck (09:04):
So, being in Georgia, you're there 21 years, so you
had your daughter, so you raisedyour kids in Georgia.
MS Mary Fountain (09:10):
They finished school in Georgia, yes, but the
oldest one she finished inNewark, New Jersey.
Chuck (09:17):
So I got a question what would you say to this young
generation today?
Is there a real big differencefrom back then to now?
What would you say to thisyoung generation?
MS Mary Fountain (09:32):
It's the way that they are raised and I feel
like when they took God out ofchurch, out of school, when they
took God out of school and outof the home, it messed with the
family.
So it's not much that peopledon't have a choice of talking
to children.
They don't know what familyVery few that you can talk to
(09:56):
that will tell you where familyis, the borderline of family,
and so it's kind of hard.
So you have to really talk tothem and but you got to talk
early, right you really got totalk early and make it fun that
you're going to be there.
You're going to love them and,um, hopefully they'll hold on to
(10:20):
that.
Just like like some.
I ask some do they want a crosson their graduation and they're
not taught about the cross?
Chuck (10:29):
They're not taught.
No, what do you think is beingtaught now?
MS Mary Fountain (10:32):
They think and feel what they think and feel
at the time they're feeling it.
So if they're angry, they showit.
Now, if they want to saysomething out of their mouth,
they say it.
They don't think, you know.
Let me be still and listen orbe quiet, you know.
But you know you have to bepatient with them.
I just say you have to lovethem.
Chuck (10:54):
So you feel that it's a big difference.
It's a big difference, right.
MS Mary Fountain (10:57):
Yes, because the young men that's out of the
house at 10 o'clock at night, 11o'clock at night that wouldn't
have been like that before.
You had a certain time to be athome.
Right, because home is family,you know, home is where you're
safe at.
But that was that time.
They don't practice that.
Now the parents can ask them,they'll tell them, but it's not
(11:22):
something they practice.
Yeah, because they think thatthey have grown, they're able to
do whatever they want to do.
They can handle it.
So you get to an age that yougo back to being quiet.
Chuck (11:38):
So you can't say no more.
MS Mary Fountain (11:40):
Yeah, you go back to being quiet, because
what is there to say If they'resaying it all?
There's nothing to say, so youlet that go.
And my mother came from a largefamily.
She had three sisters and twobrothers and I was the baby of
now.
Chuck (12:00):
I was number nine, so there was a lot of us.
MS Mary Fountain (12:05):
So you didn't see the fussing and the fighting
and whatever.
You didn't see that.
You seen a lot of laughter.
If there was a disgruntledsituation, you see it and then
they smooth away.
My mother would get up and walkthrough the room and you see it
smooth away.
Chuck (12:22):
What do you mean by that?
MS Mary Fountain (12:23):
Whatever they was fussing about would go away.
It was smooth away.
You know, my mother would justwalk in the room and it would
stop, walk through the room andeverything would go quiet.
But now when I see that goingon, it goes on and on, it's
funny.
But children will be children,yeah, and maybe they do need to
(12:47):
talk now because the governmentis different, you know, the
people are different, so they dohave to speak up for themselves
, I imagine.
And the churches there's somany different churches, they
don't know what to pick.
You know, if you listen to thedifferent churches, your mind
whirls with it, because there'sthis church and that church and
(13:10):
this church.
So you got to be strong in yourfaith.
But you got to have a beginning.
Yes, god knew when he createdus.
He knew what we was going to do, because he put that will in us
and that thought in us.
But he gave us a choice.
Chuck (13:26):
Yes.
MS Mary Fountain (13:26):
And it was up to us to make the right choice.
Chuck (13:29):
What would you change about today if you had an
opportunity to change it?
You know, as you look back,change of what you see going on.
Now, what would you dodifferent?
MS Mary Fountain (13:38):
I would let the children have family and let
family be the village that itused to be, you know, because
the family used to be thevillage where children can go
and be safe.
And children was children andthey know who to believe in,
what to say and what not to say.
Right, I think that would benice.
Chuck (14:00):
To go back to that.
MS Mary Fountain (14:06):
Yes, because it would be a beautiful thing to
be able to talk to each otherand know that you're being heard
and cared about.
Chuck (14:09):
If you could go back, what would you say to your
younger self?
I always ask that question.
What would you go back to say?
If you had an opportunity to goback and talk to the younger
Mary, what would you saydifferent?
What would you say to her?
MS Mary Fountain (14:23):
Be patient.
Be patient Because I justwanted to do things and look
like I wasn't doing it fastenough, and by me being the last
child at home I couldn't tellit to nobody, so I was like
raring to go.
Chuck (14:42):
Ready to get out.
MS Mary Fountain (14:44):
Yeah, I wanted to see what was around the
corner.
I always wanted to see what'saround.
A parade would come.
Chuck (14:53):
Yeah.
MS Mary Fountain (14:53):
And I would follow that parade.
And then I'd look back and Isaw my mother.
I'd go back and she would lookat me standing and smile.
She'd say go ahead.
Chuck (15:02):
Yeah, it was curious.
MS Mary Fountain (15:06):
Yeah, because I know you like the parades.
You know the music and thedrums and the excitement.
Chuck (15:12):
If you had the opportunity to talk to a young
lady or a young man right now,what would you say to them?
MS Mary Fountain (15:18):
Well, it's all depending on the age group.
Chuck (15:20):
Yeah.
MS Mary Fountain (15:21):
I would tell them take your time, don't let
your dream go.
Always keep your dream alive,wow and be patient.
It's going to happen.
It's going to happen, it'sgoing to happen, and hold on to
your dream.
Chuck (15:35):
And don't be so quick to rush.
MS Mary Fountain (15:37):
Yeah, don't be so quick.
I think we all go through that,because you're going to learn.
You're going to learn.
Chuck (15:42):
I think we all go through that part Wanting to get out,
get out, get off the porch wouldstay in the house.
Yeah, yes, you're right aboutthat oh man, yes man, but I, I
just wanted to get your voice.
(16:02):
Um, so we have your voice.
Yeah well, we always talktogether.
Absolutely, absolutely.
I just, I just wanted yourvoice on record, so, okay yes,
it was.
It was as always.
It's great talking to you andhearing your voice and hearing
your wisdom okay, is anything?
MS Mary Fountain (16:22):
is anything you can do this again?
Yes, ma'am, is there anythingyou?
Chuck (16:25):
want to say, before we um sign off.
MS Mary Fountain (16:28):
I thank God for you and I thank God that he
saw you coming down the road.
I met you and we've beentogether ever since.
Chuck (16:37):
I appreciate you too.
Thank you for coming on.
Let's just talk about it.
This won't be the last time, no, it won't.
MS Mary Fountain (16:44):
Yes, ma'am, it won't be the last time.
Chuck (16:46):
Yes, ma'am, love you, I love you to life.
MS Mary Fountain (16:48):
Love you too, all right, love the family.
Chuck (16:51):
Wow, what an amazing conversation.
Again, shout out to you, missMary, we love you and we miss
you.
Your life, love and laughterstill lives on.
Thank you, and I want to thankeveryone for always tuning in to
let's just talk about itpodcast, and if you have any
media needs, such as videography, photography, you can reach out
to me and my partner.
Photography, you can reach outto me and my partner Low Mills
(17:12):
at M&B Media, found on Facebook.
So, hey, as always, thank youso much for always tuning in and
until next time, don't hold itin, but let's just talk about it
.
Talk to you soon, thank you.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!