Irma Epps recalls living in Iran

To the Editior:

Friends have asked, "Irma, what is wrong? you haven't had an article in the paper for months, and don't pay any attention to the reader who said, the paper printed too many of my articles." So I thought I would write a bit of information about Iran, it is in the news often since that leader keeps saying Iran is going to wipe Israel off of the map.

When I hear something about a country that I have been in, I do take note of the news, and wonder why some of the things happen. Iran is a nice country, (or was when Grady and I were there). Many of the people were so talented. Where else are rugs. made like the Persian rugs. I really would have liked to have purchased one, but would have had to pay duty on it. And I will grant you I would have never walked on it. Would have hung it on a wall. I haven't heard much about the rugs lately. Wonder if the ladies still make the rugs. Another things they do is hammered metal work. Grady's hard hat such a master piece.

Grady was in Iran twice. From the time Grady was there the first time until the last time, the Shah had made so much progress in improving the country and the lives of the people was so great. Grady just never could figure out how the Shah was overthrown.

The Shah had a rose garden of over three thousand rose bushes. What a spot of beauty. Employed many people to take care of the garden. Two of the recorded old poets, Hafiz and Sadi were Persian. There were such beautiful rose garden built in their memory. Surely you have heard of Omar Khayam and the Rubaiyat. One of the famous lines, "A jug of wine, a loaf of bread and thou."

The Mosques are such works of art. Beautiful does not even start to describe the buildings. All of the things I have mentioned have been there for years. I wonder what the last generations have done that will be there for years for people to enjoy. I keep listening to this leader to see if he does do anything that will be good and lasting.

There used to be tourist going to Iran, but not anymore. There are things in Iran that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Grady and I did two things in Iran that we never did any where else. We seen a lot of Iran on a motorcycle, and always came home with saddle bags full of things people had given us when we would stop. Then we took a bus ride to see another town. Isfahan, the most beautiful city I have been in. No food stops along the way we packed a light lunch as did everyone else, the bus stopped and all had a picnic.

The locals wanted us to enjoy some of their food. So we did. I think some of the locals were very surprised, because we were not the usual Americans. We did a lot of walking tours of many of the towns. Didn't hire a taxi. A lot of these lovely memories help some of my lonely days. I do not ever get depressed! I won't even let myself say that word.

Hope you have enjoyed to learn some of the nice things about Iran.

Irma Houts Epps

Poplar Bluff, Mo.