A meaningful shock resonated, a hollowness within prevailing, discovering a heartfelt remorse never felt before. His immediate feeling was one of tears and emptiness, a shattering, the acceptance that his Grandson was no more. Gary’s thoughts weighted to the countenance of Chris and Marlo, the effect of this tragedy on them and how it would converse their life. The elder Willson immediately evoking plans for transportation to Oklahoma City, Gary understanding when his wife Fran decided to forgo the solemn trip, and that his mother would accompany him.
The phone call from Oklahoma City came early in the evening of April 6th, 2001 it was from Gary’s son Scott. Scott, the bearer of earth shattering news that his grandson Garrett having been struck by a car was in the hospital. Scott disclosing the circumstances, Garrett’s dog having discovered a way out from their backyard of their home on S.W. 124th St., the 12-year-old boy scurrying the neighborhood, searching for his pet. His father, Chris concerned about Garrett’s absence and knowing the circumstances, started a neighborhood search in his car. Discovering Garrett addressing May Ave., a four lane thoroughfare east of the residence.
The phone call from Oklahoma City came early in the evening of April 6th, it was from Gary’s son Scott. Scott, the bearer of earth shattering news, his grandson Garrett Denton had been struck by a car and was in the hospital. Scott disclosing the circumstances. Garrett’s dog, having discovered a way out from their backyard, the 12-year-old boy scurrying the neighborhood, searching for his pet. His father Chris, concerned about Garrett’s absence, knowing the circumstances, started a neighborhood search in his car. Discovering Garrett addressing May Avenue, a four lane thoroughfare east of the residence. Stopping, blinking the headlights from across the road, letting Garrett know he was present.
The boy recognizing his Dad’s car and in haste started across May Avenue. The 12-year-old struck by an oncoming car, Chris having to witness the harrowing event. The father a Firefighter and EMT immediately going to his son’s aid. Scott, continuing on the phone, sounding very despondent, telling his Dad that Garrett’s prognosis wasn’t good. Gary, after receiving the call, an optimist throughout his life, having no idea of the severity of Garrett’s accident, but having hope, not wanting to accept its consequences received another call from his eldest son Scott later that night. Garrett injuries were Pernicious , his grandson having passed from this Earthly Life.
A meaningful shock resonated, a hollowness within prevailing, discovering a heartfelt remorse never felt before. His immediate feeling was one of tears and emptiness, a shattering, the acceptance that his Grandson was no more. Gary’s thoughts weighted to the countenance of Chris and Marlo, the effect of this tragedy on them and how it would converse their life. The elder Willson immediately evoking plans for transportation to Oklahoma City, Gary understanding when his wife Fran decided to forgo the solemn trip, and that his mother would accompany him.
The California flight arriving at Will Rogers World Airport, Gary’s son Scott awaiting their arrival. Lana Norwicki, the mother of Gary’s granddaughter Sarah, offering lodging for Gary and the Great Grandmother Betty, the two finding a welcomed hospitality at Lana’s residence. An arrival from Kansas of Robert and Sandra, Gary’s two youngest fulfilling the complement of Gary’s children.
Gary and his mother making their presence at the mortuary with Marlo to view Garrett, and later that night, the grandfather making a second journey to Garrett’s temporary resting place with Robert and Sandra. This trip more emotional than the earlier one, secluded with Robert and Sandra, Gary displaying something that he had held within, openly expressing a meaningful outward expression of his emotion and the loss of his grandson.
The departing services were scheduled at The First Southern Baptist Church on Sooner Road in Del City, Gary having attended services at this church once before with Chris, Marlo and his exwife Kaye during a visit to Oklahoma City. The church, a magnificent structure seating over a thousand, their services with a string led orchestration and choir and providing internet televised services every Sunday. Garrett’s memorial service fulfilling a good portion of the church’s capacity, Gary recognizing many acquaintances from years past, especially his longtime friend Jerry Willis and his wife Shirley.
The service concluded, a long line police escorted progression proceeding to Resthaven Cemetery on southwest 104th. It was a typical Oklahoma City spring day, the blustering wind gusting out of the south, the canopy for the service, not very stabilized, flapping in the wind, making many uncomfortable, but Gary surmising that it was a reflection and tribute to the energy of his Grandson.
Seated with Marlo’s mother, the Grandfather providing a lap for Granddaughter Allison during the wind-driven ceremony, an inner despondency prevailing, but the imminence of Allison gave life a meaning. Gary having adulation for his Daughter and Chris , maintaining an efficacy of composure. those present bearing witness to the family’s tragic loss, and conscious of the abrupt change it would make in the couple’s life.
Gary was impressed with the Stewart of Chris, his amazing posture, considering what he bore witness to, the accident, the rendering of aid, inwardly not accepting the acumen, but outwardly having to accept the outcome. Gary comprehending the heartfelt tragedy would remain with Chris forever, but recognizing Chris and Marlo’s stature thru this event as a testimonial to their strength and fortitude.
The return to California was a solemn process, Gary accepting Gods orchestration for life, but sometimes questioning its reasoning, especially when someone at such a young age and promising future, is tragically released from these Earthly Bonds and summoned to be an angel in heaven.
Inquisitive Quest 
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