An Interview with Coleen Reitz Parr
Janice Cain: Today your reporter and Coleen Reitz Parr are here on HHANA's Front Porch enjoying a cup of coffee. Tell us what you would like our neighborhood friends to know about you.
Leaning forward, she said, “I know we can't talk about religion or politics, but I want everyone to know that I am a follower of Christ.”
Janice Cain: With that said, tell us how you ended up in Harter Heights.
“My Mom, Janice Cain, lives here and we came from our home in Stow to take care of her little dog when she was in the hospital. And (smiling) we just stayed!”
Janice Cain: You still see your friends in Stow, but do you do any other traveling?
“Yes, I have six children and one daughter vacations around the world. She has taken me to England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and India.”
Janice Cain: That's impressive. Which was your favorite country you visited and why?
“Although all were interesting, I think India was my favorite because it was the most different. For example, we visited a lady in her home. When she went to make tea for us, a cow walked right in the front door! Knowing that cows are sacred in India, we didn't know what to do. About that time the lady came rushing out of the kitchen waving her arms and yelling at the cow who turned and left.”
Janice Cain: What about the Ganges River? That's something we are all curious about.
“Oh, yes! We boarded what they call ‘hand boats’ and observed funeral pyres in operation. We also saw hotel workers washing sheets in the sacred but polluted river and spreading them on the steep rocks to dry. But we didn't stay in any of those hotels!”
Janice Cain: That's so interesting. Do you still do some traveling?
“These days I travel with my husband, Henry. We have taken several train trips and we travel regularly by car to visit family in South Carolina and New York.”
Janice Cain: Thank you, Coleen, and welcome to Harter Heights. We will look forward to more stories.
From HHANA's Front Porch
Janice Cain, Reporter