I MADE IT UP: Southwest Virginia Tao

I am fascinated with the unique and immutable truths of Southwest Virginia. I am calling these truths the Tao.
Tao is defined as “the rational basis of human activity or conduct” or “a universal, regarded as an ideal attained to a greater or lesser degree by those embodying it.” Thus, the people of this region define the Tao, and it defines them. They practice the Tao, because they have no other choice. They are the Tao.
An example: Our friend Shelia Hensley told my wife Sweetness, “The men of Whitetop marry the women of Konnarock.” This is a local truth, or Tao. It probably predates European colonization. No doubt Cherokee braves from Whitetop married the Indian maidens of Konnarock. Once the Europeans came here, they simply embraced the existing Tao.
My sole contribution to the understanding of Southwest Virginia Tao is this observation: A man is where his truck is. I know this because I have heard the following conversation over and over.
“Where is Ronnie?”
“He’s over Mom’s. I saw his truck there when I came by.”
Thus, in Southwest Virginia Tao, a man and his truck are one and inseparable. He is where it is.
Southwest Virginia Tao has a logic and respect for history that newcomers find hard to understand. That is why we give directions to a newcomer using a reference point that no longer exists. Example: “You turn right where the old Pet Milk plant used to be.” Of course, the newcomer has no idea where this is. But half the people here grew up drinking milk from the old Pet Milk plant, and it remains an enduring point of reference.
Newcomers will experience the Tao frequently when asking directions. A person who has embraced the Tao gives the newcomer a complete picture, as in, “You turn right about a mile before you get to where the old Pet Milk plant used to be.” Thus, if you get to where the old Pet Milk plant used to be, and you recognize it, you know that your turnoff is about a mile back.
Respect for people is intrinsic to the Tao. I have lived in my house now for 28 years. My aunt Mary Rowland lived here for 22 years before me. However, when I am introduced it is always “This is Carl. He lives in Miss Mary Rowland’s house.” I will only own the house when I am dead. The new owner will be introduced: “This is ________. He lives in Carl Clarke’s old house.” This is Tao.
Carl D. Clarke Jr. of Abingdon is a weekly columnist for the Washington County News. He may be reached at .