Annabelle Reid was the woman that my Dad boarded with from a young age until he met and married my Mum in 1967. A strong Christian woman, she invited all into her home with open arms and was a huge influence in my Dad’s life. A single mother in the 50’s, she refused welfare ‘cause they "treated her like dirt", taking on boarders instead to support her and her 3 sons (one of whom is my Dad’s great friend to this day, Bob Reid). My Dad remembers the warmth and spirit of Annabelle’s Kitchen and once told me that she had linoleum laid on a dirt floor.

Lyrics

ANNABELLE’S KITCHEN
My Mamma died with a broken heart
To the slamming of the door
I packed my pride and my heavy heart
And waited on the dawn
My 15 years seemed laden down
With more than I could bear

Chorus
And I found myself
In Annabelle’s kitchen
With sweet soft religion
Linoleum riches
Dirt floor forgiveness
Solace and wisdom
And warm apple pie

The lady was an angel
So I lay my troubles down
An open fire and an open heart
And God saved me from drowning
Give me love with milk and honey
And a sweet redeeming prayer

CHORUS

With open arms for the weak and the weary
A steady hand for the lost and alone
The down and dirty and drunk and devoured
Made it their home

CHORUS