Inquisitive Quest

Pratt Community College

.  The closing of the Bank of Kiowa was a detriment to the community,  but Jan Willson’s loss of employment was a life changing accession to a new trajectory, enrolling at Pratt Community College to acquirer an associates of science nursing degree with a goal of becoming a R. N..  Gary was totally committed to his wife’s ambition but several obstacles were manifested mainly regarding finances.  The tuition,  fees,  books, could be reconciled with the application of a Pell Grant and  student loan, but the most prevalent encumbrance would be of addressing  Jan’s transportation means for the 106 mile round trips to Pratt, especially during the adversity of winter.

.  Gary pondering for a solution, realizing that Jan’s gas guzzling New Yorker would have to go, and at the same time desiring to rid himself of the ill-fated Ford Van.  Being the lone wage earner since the bank closing, although Jan had visited with the Director of Nurses Sharon Ragan  working part-time as a nurse’s aide at the hospital,  Gary was having some doubts about getting a loan approval to finance a car for Jan.  For the very first time he approached his father in California, explaining Jan’s desire to become an R.N.,  the families financial shortcomings  including her transportation needs.  The Elder Willson didn’t hesitate, Gary could hear it in his voice, the prospects of having an R.N. in the family meant his approval.   His Dad posting a check doubling the amount Gary thought sufficient and when sending back the excess amount, his father tore up Gary’s check, the Murrow family still questioning their daughters adjudication.

.  It was Jan who first to prompted Gary’s attention to a 1982  red,  4-wheel drive SR5,  Toyota Tercel Wagon stationed at the corner of Bill Bogner’s Main Street dealership.  Gary wasn’t enthralled about Jan’s choice but agreeing to test drive the Tercel, the couple driving east of town discerning  a slight grinding sound oscillating  from the rear wheels. Gary suggesting they look at Bogner’s other automobile endeavors at the old Jacks Ford establishment that Bill had purchased when Steve Miller relinquished all his Kiowa Service properties.   Gary having already spotted  a small fwd.,  4 speed Isuzu pickup,  branded as a Chevrolet that had been traded in by Brad Ott.  Gary having inquired with Brad as to its condition and reason for trading, Brad confirming, the pickup was in good condition and the reason for trading was his desire for a larger pickup.   Gary could see Jan’s heart was set on the red Toyota, deciding to  approach  Bill about a duel trade,  the New Yorker and the Ford Van for the Tercel and the Isuzu, with the provision that the Toyota’s  possible wheel bearing problems would be alleviated.   The trade-in agreement was consummated,  Jan’s school transportation accomplished,  Gary finally disposing of the collateral damaged  misrepresented Ford Van, the couple both now suited with 4 wheel drive vehicles. .

.  The family was visiting the Murrow’s, Gary’s stepping outside briefly to retrieve his ambulance radio from the car,  noticing black smoke rising from what appeared to be downtown Kiowa.  Remarking as he entered the house,   there must be a fire  downtown,  no sounding of a fire siren as customary in the past,  the  volunteer fire service recently making a decision to no longer alert the citizens when they were called, the fire department appropriated funds to equip each member with a  radio.   The family  continuing with their visit, Gary once again departing outside questioning what he had seen earlier,  a concern starting to materialize with the continuing rising presence of a billowing  black smoke cloud,  the families curiosity must have spiked,  they soon joined him in observing the display.   The curiosity was too much,  deciding to appraise the situation,  driving the short distance, discovering the Kiowa Fire Department on the scene at Bogner Chevrolet.

.  Gary noticing that they had yet to block off Main Street,  and it appeared the fire was in the basement automotive service area,  and from the amount of smoke that cars might be engulfed.  He watched as Bill Duvall retreated up from the flame ridden below ground level, emerging out of the  smoke,  giving notice to the others the possibility of an explosion and  that they would have to approach cautiously.    Gary returning to the Murrow residence, going to the kitchen sink for a glass of water,  discovering almost no water pressure,  giving evidence of his apparition,  the family starting to realize the seriousness of the situation and a reason for concern.

.  Gary’s ambulance radio echoed a call,  not a medical application, but a station call for the ambulance  to be employed at the fire scene in readiness.   The fire having grown intense, its effulgence broadcasting skywards casting an increasing glow on  the horizon in the diminishing light as darkness began to prevail,  and reportedly could be seen from the aspects of Alva and Anthony thirty miles away.  The inferno consuming Bogner Automotive,  spreading east to the adjoining buildings on the south side of  main street,  continuing its havoc, spreading to the building with the 2nd floor Masonic Lodge.   The congruous structure an emblematic town fixture,  a personal concern for some of the citizens as they watched the building and artifacts, historic in nature, being engulfed in flames.

.  The fire continued seemingly unabated,  its flames reaching ascendancy, a call for additional assistance being extended to the other townships, Medicine Lodge,  Anthony and Alva Oklahoma answering the call.   Kiowa was soon without water pressure,  the local residence finding a trickle in their faucets, the water tower supply being prostrated.   The arrival of tanker trucks  from the outlying communities began resourcing the extraction of water from the Medicine River and journeys to the local farm ponds to supply the much  needed inhibitor.  The battle-line of resolution was drawn at Gamble’s Hardware Store, the firefighter struggling, a ladder truck from Alva arriving,  conveying its affluent stream of water from a higher elevation,  preventing a breach of the building’s  firewall.  The pyre was halted,  the combatants finally staying the fire carnage,  Bogner’s  Main Street Chevrolet Buick,  the Masonic Lodge and others a loss,  Gambles surviving with smoke damage.   A consensus,  the town was blessed,  the normally strong Kansas winds were silent that night,  omniscience was contemporaneous in the Kiowa community.

Wichita Zoo Rain-forest

.  The conclusion of the school year finding it was adventure time for the grade school students, the first and second graders boarding Gary’s 46 passenger school  bus for a 90 mile journey to the Wichita Zoo.  The exhibits numbering  over 2500 species including the usual suspects,  lions, tigers,  elephants, and the relatively new children’s petting zoo consisting of mostly farm animals.   A glass enclosed lowland gorilla domain and a magnificent indoor rain-forest with waterfalls and tropical unhindered birds, an impressive focal point for the students as well as the bus driver.   Mrs. Hill, Thompson, Albright and Feasters students displaying their best behavior, Gary having volunteered to accompany the group as a rear guard to assure that no stragglers were left behind, discovering the real joy was the expressions on the Kid’s face.

.  Another year and another end of year grade school class destination for Gary.  Mrs.  Cantrell and  Golliher’s  third grade classe  was ready,  having waited all year for this class activity,  a trip to the Alabaster Caverns,  6 miles south of Freedom Oklahoma.  Gary  having position the bus on the west side of the gym, watching the class board for the 60 mile journey, the students yet to realize the magnitude of their adventure.  It had been over 12 years since Gary had acquainted Freedom and the Alabaster Caverns,  and was still awestruck when crossing the Cimarron River.  He never mentioned to anyone that he and fellow band member Jerry Willis had attempted to fish adjacent to the bridge crossing,  only to discover later what the locals knew, there were no fish because of the contamination from the sulfate and chloride mining upstream.  Arriving at the Alabaster Caverns State Park, the property being one of just three venues in the world where black veins of alabaster are found  the other two localities were in Italy and China.   The State of Oklahoma purchasing the 200 acres in 1953,  the property being used as a nuclear fallout and emergency supply storage shelter.  In 1956 it was designated a state park and open to the public.

.  The students having been introduced to a uniform state park guide in the visitors center giving a presentation,  the lady annotating  the exhibits of the various types of gypsum mineral and the caverns, Oklahoma Native American heritage.  Relating that the use of the cavern during the late eighteen hundreds was a haven for outlaws during a period when the Oklahoma Panhandle was called  the Oklahoma Badlands.  The guide,  with the class in accordance, proceeded down the path to the entrance of the cavern abyss, disclosing the temperature inside the three quarter mile of cavern length,  ranged between 52 to 58 degrees,  depending on the season,  adding  the journey thru the cavern would take one hour.  Once endowed within, the entrance no longer providing a detectable source of afferent,  the walkway course broadcasted with the dimly lit effervescent lights,  the once bubbling class now strangely silent as the they filed into the largest room of the cavern,  60 feet in length and 50 feet high,  the guide pointing out the veins of alabaster.  Continuing,  the observant group soon reaching a wooden bridge,  finding a stream flowing beneath, the water entering from a hidden source and exiting the same,  the guide pointing out the residency of 5 species of bats that hung from the heights of the promontory cave.

.  Reaching a mid-point,  the group was halted,  the Criterion again explaining  to the group,  they were about to experience total darkness, the lights in the cavern would be extinguished briefly and not to be afraid.  A deafening  silence among the third graders was prevalent,  the lighting within the cavern was removed,  a total darkness unveiled, and with the stillness of silence,  a surreal environment of total abandonment was present,  each person acquainting themselves alone in a capsule darken world for the first time.  Even Gary appreciated the demonstration,  an experience of solitude, a taste of reality.  The restoration of light, the sound of voices  finding a relief for many who never experience the perception of absolute darkness.   Continuing the journey,  the guide referencing several ancillary passage’s that branched out from the tours main access route,  ten other small,  but aurora reaching openings providing entrance.   The hour-long tour consummating,  the class arising from the profundity of the earth,  once again imbuing the blue sky and verdant Oklahoma air.   A tram ride back to the visitors center, the provided  sack lunch in hand,  the third graders finding the spacious grounds a place of contentment to relate their recent experience with each other.

.  The bus driver approached the two teachers relating that some of the kids wanted to explore more of the parks realm, Gary telling them he would see if it was permissible and if so he would take the group on an expedition to find some of the ancillary entrances to the cavern.   An affirmation from the two instructors  found the campaign on a search mission, finding eight of the ten well concealed openings,  but only two with a width for human access.   A further exploration, Gary chaperoning the students on a venture to find some of the other natural attributes of the awe-inspiring parks  domain discovering a trail leading to other caves and the renown natural rock bridge.  The adventurous class activity concluded,  once again finding the school bus returning to Kiowa,  its occupants  having obtained an adventure and a better understanding  of nature and a bus driver with an acknowledgement of the rewards that those in the teaching profession experience every day.

.  An impressive experience for Gary, the fourth and fifth grade class were destined to  travel the 35 miles to the Great Salt Plain Lake  five miles east of Cherokee Oklahoma,  its presence having the distinction of being  the only location in the world where selenite salt crystals in hourglass inclusions are found.   The students able to forage on the salt plain bordering the 9000 acre lake,  fed by the salt fork of the Arkansas river.  Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Elwood escorting the class, the bus halting in the digging area of the desolate expanse of the salt plains, Gary having visited the state park with his family but preferring the lake over the crystal inflected flat area.  The lake was without a doubt the most unusual one in  Oklahoma,  providing a prevalence depth of only four feet, a dam on the east withholding the reservoir of water. The fourth and fifth graders lost their enthusiasm shortly after arriving, it was understandable, digging for salt crystals wasn’t very exciting.

.  Gary made some attempt to enact some stimuli from the boys by relating that during world war 2, this area was a bombing range, and in all probability their might still be ordnance just below the surface.  The itinerary for the return called for a  stop at the Dam and its picnic area for a sack lunch, with a hesitation at Kegelman field,  an Air force Base training station.  The runway at the base was an axillary facility used by the small jet trainers stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid.  The journey home concluding,  unlike the other class year trips, the students brought home  souvenirs, if not in a sack, wearing the salt on their clothing as testament to The Salt Plains State Park.

King James Holy Bible

The years of attending both Sunday and Wednesday nights Services at the Apostolic Christian Church  began to assimilate with Gary,  the fellowship with the members not the only benefaction,  the ecclesiastical message from the pulpit instilling a consequential testament.  The congregation expressing unity with total humility and solace of purpose, A new horizon emanated, there was a another subservient admission of life other than the worldly ways of society,  Gary imbibing the words of the bible, his meaning of thought having found a comforting solace.

.  Gary  having witnessed Jan’s acceptance of Jesus Christ and the acquiesce of becoming an Apostolic Christian Sister in faith,  first approached Jan’s Uncle,  Raymond Roth, a Church Minister, but subsequently embracing a hierarchy, Ronnie Nelson,  the Church’s Elder,  petitioning him to the prerequisites for acceptance in the apostolic brotherhood.   Ronnie patiently explaining  the church required no more than what was in the bible.  A term of repentance was first in order to demonstrate and  acknowledge the wrongdoing in one’s life and to make amends  privately or personally and in some means approach those whom you have offended,  giving penance for your censurable action and beseeching absolution.  Gary, evenings meeting in prayer with Ron Nelson in his home, discussing the lamentable occurrences of the past, receiving guidance on a desirable approach to fulfill his commitment with the Lord’s direction.

.  Ninety days having passed,  the traditional repentance temporal for those seeking affiliation with the Apostolic Christian Church  was thirty to sixty days,  most prospective disciples having family members abiding in the congregation for generations.  Gary in abeyance, but never questioning his accession,  his faith in the Lord firmly resolved, acknowledging the decision to proceed was at the discretion of  Ron Nelson.   A day of atonement  having arrived, the total apostolic congregational membership present for a closed session attendance,  an open colloquy of the aspiring brethren.   Gary standing before the brothers and sisters, a warm glow of solace empowering him, acknowledging his total acceptance and certitude, Jesus was Lord and Savior, answering inquiries of his affirmation and belief in his salvation thru Christ

.  The inherent faith protocol consummated, the baptism being affirmed for the following week.   Gary having a decision to make, it was tradition that the baptismal recipient embrace a church member to accompany him as a  sponsor,  to attest to his communion and to assist in the baptismal ceremony. The person also to stand with him and the minister,  providing a towel to edulcorate the baptismal water upon his emergence.   Jan’s  family and most of the congregation expecting Gary to approach Jan’s Ministering Uncle,  Raymond Roth to conferred the carriage of sponsorship,  but to their surprise another finding prominence in Gary’s acuity.   A person of esteem religious conviction,  one whom Gary had many pontifical discussion with,  a man who lived with total divination to Lord in every aspect of his life, his statue presenting a prodigious ascendancy on the new disciple.   His choice a disappointment to his in laws,  but an atonement of his commitment, Gary espousing Frank Kisling, a farmer,  friend and true believer from Burlington Oklahoma.

.  The Baptismal water vessel was filled, the last time availed was when Gary’s wife Jan was emerged into it cleansing waters years earlier, the church endowment having  no additional proselytes.   The  Church,  their traditions of a by-gone era,  discomforting to some inaugural visitors,  but finding the kindred membership all in attendance for the ceremonial occasion.   The new disciple stepping into the sacrosanct of water, Ron Nelson proclaiming the baptismal sacraments,  the laying on of hands.  Gary to be  immersed,  the church elder placing his hand on the adherent,  submerging him in the cleansing waters,  a new personage in Christ arising.   With an accommodation of dry clothes,  the newly announced person in Christ standing before the pulpit,  the congregation,  each walking down the center aisle to greet their new brother in faith,  the traditional bumping of chins by the men to symbolize a greeting with the holy kiss,  a handshake from the women,  an adulation of blessing expressed by all, some with joyous tears,  for the first time in his life Gary experiencing a worldly emptiness,  but replaced by the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit.

Shawn Johnson & Pam Cooper

Another Kiowa Grade School fall semester  commencing,  Pam Cooper,  Gary’s custodial co-worker having a work related adversity.  Pam once again complaining about her difficulty utilizing the backpack vacuum on the carpet installed the previous year in the first thru third grade classrooms,  deciding to use a floor push vacuum sweeper and having to move every desk to accommodate its employment.  The floor sweeper, a remnant from the past,  Gary using it daily for the downstairs library and Sally Foresters kindergarten room by Gary.   Mrs. Forester’s room having been the only prior carpeted room in the building with the exception of the office and library.   Gary suggesting Pam approach Juanita Smith the Grade School Principal about requesting a new floor vacuum sweeper, explaining her difficulties with the backpack and mention the age of the floor sweeper.  Pam’s rapport with the Principal was questionable at best, previously having been discovered making direct undisclosed out-of-state long distance calls at 6:00 a.m. on the school’s telephone to her ex-husband in Michigan failing to disclose her actions to administration.

.  Gary by happenstance,  waiting for his afternoon bus route to commence in school secretary Judy Rocket’s office, that adjoined  Principal Juanita Smiths.   Pam Cooper entering Juanita’s office, accosting the principal about acquiring a new floor sweeper for her custodial duties.   Juanita was patient, acknowledging her request,  but illustrating that all the custodian’s in the district utilized the more efficient backpack appliance,  and it would be questionable if Superintendent Piper would approve the request.   Gary and Judy could hear Pam getting belligerent about her discomfort using the backpack, her preference for a floor machines and in a questioning voice rebuked the Principals logic.   Juanita,  remaining composed,  replying,  Pam would have to make do with what she had to work with.  In a sudden burst,  Pam slammed her school keys on Juanita’s desk and exited  the building, the Principal looked up,  noticing that Judy and Gary had witnessed the incident.

.Gary’s first thoughts was of Pams scheduled bus route,  immediately suggesting to Juanita  he would fine and ask Cathy Cox, who was licensed,  if she would accommodate Pam’s student delivery duty.  Gary returning after securing Cathy’s availability, finding  Juanita clasping a purse, it was Pam’s,  who in her haste had left it.   Gary offering to return it, knowing that Pam and her boys had moved into an apartment across the street from the school.  Crossing  south of the school, Gary approached Pam’s place of residence,  able to see her thru the screen door  sitting in a rocker,  her actions giving concern,  she was rocking back and forth with a look of asperity on her face.   Handing her the purse,  Gary concurred with her litigation,  soliciting her to apologize to Juanita and return to her school duties, but it was to no avail, her temperament still abounding, a look of consternation on her face.

.  With Pams termination, Gary now the schools solitary custodian accepting Pams classroom and cleaning assignments,  not a new experience,  having accorded the responsibility during her sick day absences’, but recognizing the custodial vacancy annunciation was in need of  immediate attention,  an available person coming to mind, his brother-in-law,  Shawn Johnson.    Shawn was currently employed by their father-in-law’s business,  Murrow Construction.  Bud having let some of the family know he wasn’t too enthusiastic about hiring Shawn,  acknowledging the provision until Shawn could find other employment.  Gary informing the Johnson family of the school custodial vacancy,  Shawn was very receptive, immediately retaining and submitting an employment application at the School Central Office.

.  Gary being privileged to a discerning relevance by superintendent secretary,  Wanda Eckert,   divulging that Juanita Smith upon hearing about Shawn’s application was  detrimental to his employment,  questioning his character,  having established a reputation during his prior South Barber school years.  Gary questioning the reasoning,  deciding to talk to Glen,  approaching the Superintendent’s office on a deliberate mission to affirm Shawn’s qualifications.  Glen acknowledging  Gary’s approbation for his brother-in-law’s employment and mentioned that he respected Gary‘s advocacy.   The conversation turning,  the superintendent directing a response from Gary with a question.  If Shawn was hired, he wanted assurance that Gary would administer a degree of awareness to Shawn’s propriety,  Gary understanding  the reality of what was not being  said, in other words keep an eye on him.

.  Gary,  for the first time in five years of maintaining two-thirds of the custodial assignments for the school finding relief with the accession of Shawn,  some of the workload responsibility being lifted.   Gary no longer singularly responsible for the two most time consuming projects,  the mowing,  and the never accomplished continuous floor maintenance of the gym.   Shawn volunteering to dust mop the gym floor before, during and after school,  Gary still involved with the care of the stage,  dressing rooms and bleachers.   The school year continuing, Gary maintaining his 12 hour  schedule,  arriving and unlocking the gate to the fenced High School bus security area at 5:00 a.m.   Shawn arriving about the same time,  their schedule coinciding at the beginning of the day,  but differing in the afternoon,  Gary accomplishing an hour for lunch at home,  working till 6 pm,  Shawn taking a thirty minute lunch and finishing his day at 5:30.

 As the year progress, Gary noticed an abridgment in his brother-in-law starting time,  it wasn’t consistent,  some mornings arriving at the school as late as 6:00 a.m.,  nevertheless,  finding him staying later in the day to maintain his required hours, but soon that too was displaced, entertaining an earlier departure time.   Gary reasoned it was none of his business considering the work was being accomplished, the only impropriety of gravity was Shawn’s fallacious documentation.   It was Gary’s responsibility to delivery the Grade Schools custodians self endorsed handwritten time cards to the Central Office, the custodians were district employees under the supervision of the Superintendent,  not the principal of the school as most of the public assumed.  Gary couldn’t help but notice Shawn’s late morning appearance and his early departures, but his hourly written record didn’t reflect actuality,  Shawn’s time card always proclaiming a 12 hour day and a 60 hour week.

.  It wasn’t long, coming to the conclusion,  his brother-in-law’s perspective of the school was just that, a school, nothing more, nothing less.   Gary feeling different, having stood in the darken school hallway before sunrise, the surroundings casting an echoing silence, its 50 years presence giving voice to the embroilment of a learning citadel,  soon to come to life with the bustle and vibrant expectation of young students  and the caring natured atmosphere  radiating from  educators in the classroom.  Shawn was a definite asset but Gary having a sense that Shawn’s school employment would not be one of longevity,

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Denton

.  The couple having journeyed to Kiowa, Gary’s memory prevailing with thoughts of the past,  recalling the last time he had visited with his daughter Marlo and her friend Chris.  The two arriving in a 1953 Chevrolet,  spending the day, both the couple and the classic Chevy having made a lasting impression,  Gary drawing a conclusion that they would soon be united in marriage

.  The wedding announcement of Christopher Gene Denton and Marlo Cherise Willson, wasn’t without expectation, but the telephone call from Marlo’s Mother was, her call being to inquire if Gary would help with the cost of the wedding, the couple having elected a Wedding Chapel Ceremony.  Gary agreeing to pay for all expenses incurred by the Chapel and Ceremony, Kaye relating,  the couple having chosen to be married on Sunday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day.

. The matrimonial time-table having been set, Gary, Jan, 10-year-old Robert and 9-year-old Sandi making the Sunday morning trip to Oklahoma City.  The family arriving early at the Chapel, Gary unsure of his role in the ceremony, the Father of the Bride discovering he would be ask to stand and present the rhetorical answer to the question “who gives this women”.  The ceremony beginning with Richard Wagner’s traditional Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin, the groom awaiting the flowering bride, the presentation very artistic as was Gary’s daughter Marlo in her bridal gown and Chris attired in his formal white tuxedo,  a pillar of intrepidity,  Gary reflecting on this moment in time, how young the couple looked.

.  The ceremonial conclusion being  announced by Felix Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, a radiant glow emitting from the couple as they exited, giving credence to a blessed event.  Gathering outside,  the Father of the Bride wasn’t surprised at the large number in attendance,  considering the affluent personalities of the Bride and Groom.   An invitation being extended to the wedding family ensemble and friends to join the Bride and Groom at Harrigan’s,  a favorite restaurant of Chris and Marlo’s on Southwest 74th, the establishment having made provisions for the gathering.   The joyous event of the afternoon coming to a conclusion,  a sense of melancholy was evident on the return drive to Kiowa, Gary for the first time putting his station in life and age in prospective, a young daughter, venturing into matrimonial adulthood and the experience of making their way on the road of life.

.  The Denton’s having settled, Chris and Marlo  having  leased the unoccupied half of Marlo’s  mother’s duplex.  The summer bringing the wonderful news of expectancy, the Denton’s announcing January would bring more than a new year.   Behold the newest 6 lbs.  2 oz. addition to the Willson legacy,  Garrett Christopher Denton making his presence known on January 6th, 1989.  Gary inheriting a new status, grandfather, discovering  a quiescence engulfing aura was present when embracing Garrett,  his Grandson a reflection of innocence and purity,  experiencing the radiance sanctity of an unscathed countenance, it’s  warm and soft presence instilling a sense of purpose and meaning. The book of life having introduced another meaningful  chapter.

Kansas snow drift

.  Dorothy was right when she said “We’re not in Kansas Toto”.  The weather in Oz never resembled the  atmospheric prevalence of Kansas. A winter snow blanketed the southcentral part of the state. its display presenting a panoramic cleansing of the landscape,  an artistry to behold,  but an arduous venture for the farmers having to champion a nurture for their livestock.  their labor finding the rural section roads closed by wind driven snow drifts.

.  Gary awoke to the celebrated presentation, having evolved into a snowbound challenge.   The school superintendent yet to make his calling,  “a school day”,  or “a snow day”,  Gary would soon discern his decision,  his 4-wheel drive Isuzu having no difficulty traversing the snow-covered road and accessing the high school bus enclosure.   Glen Piper, the superintendent  having disclosed a means for notification of an unexpected school snow day for the custodian drivers,  “If my car tracks go to the bus enclosure gate, it signifies a school day and I’ll be at the Central Office if you have any problems.   Gary’s 5:00 a.m. arrival at the high school,  finding Glen’s school Chevrolet having left its footprints in the snow.

.  The school’s 4-wheel drive Suburban having no problems tracking the snow-covered blacktop to the Grade School,  Gary’s intuition expressed him to commence his suburban route 45 minutes early.  Before leaving,  placing a call to the David Meyer farm,  his first miring rural road stop,  a query about the snow conditions addressing the road to the farm.  David confirming what Gary suspected,  because of the north wind and heavy drifting,  the west arteries branching from the highway  blacktop may have  impassable drifts, but the north and south tributaries were passable,  David relating,   the ¾ mile east access to his farm from the northern trek of the river road was normally passable.  With the snow coming down the Suburban accomplishing the Medicine River Bridge without difficulties, turning west at the Girty’s residence onto the rut defined mile section paralleling the Medicine River,  the 8 inches of snow, could canopied up to 16 inch drifts, the twelve passenger Suburban,  its four actuating wheels  accomplishing the rising snow deposits.

.  The westward river road now curving north, the drifts having diminished,  the accumulated snow now a cushion.  Turning onto the easterly ¾ mile section towards the Meyer farm,  immediately encountering formidable drifts,  the 4-wheel drive transport having difficulty, losing traction,  its movement more lateral than  forward, the visibility marginal,  finally its proscenium burrowing into a 2 foot drift,  its forward dispatch coming to a halt. The lights of the Meyers residence could be seen glowing,  Gary hesitating, about to notified  Glen to call David,  he was within walking distance if they had snowshoes,  when the lights of a tractor snapped to attention.  David displaying equanimity, having surveyed the road situation, his John Deere tractor made ready to transport his daughter Loretta and the eldest daughter Sherrill to the drift halted vehicle, Gary able to reverse course backing up to the lightly drifted north and south road.

.  Upon leaving the Meyer’s, Gary’s Suburban  returning on the snow covered northern 3 1/2 miles to the reaches of the black top pavement of  Gerlane Road still decorated with snow, then turning east his second stop, the Luthi Farm.   Gary pulling up to the house, recognizing the presence of his old 50 Dodge pickup having found employment running fence on the country spread, Gary having sold it to Dan Luthi years earlier.  Cassie Luthi was always ready, not just on time for her ride to school, but with a beaming attitude to greet each day.  Her father, Danny Gene Luthi  from Perryton Texas having attended Northwest Oklahoma State College in Alva, when he met Susan Beth Spicer from Hazelton Kansas.  Dan and Susan wed and moved to Robbins Tennessee when Cassie Elizabeth entered the world in Knoxville.  Dan was farming and raising cattle,  Susan was teaching school when Cassie’s Grandfather George Spicer convinced them it was time to resettle in Kansas.

.  With an ever smiling Cassie joining the more serious Sherrill and Loretta,  the chauffeur driven school suburban continued east on the snow packed Gerlane Road,  turning left onto the black top road enabling the 8 miles to Sharon Kansas, the first mile section cross-road discovering the farming home of Zachariah and Madison Tyrell Odell.   The two brothers, the sons of Brenda Lea (Spicer) Odell, the daughter of Don Spicer. The Odell brothers, like their cousin Cassie were pillars of exuberance, projecting a non-serious carefree world, enjoying the momentary events of  their surroundings.   The two boys reminding Gary of himself at that age, discovering the meaning of life in a single word, adventure.  The boys relating on their search for  coyotes den’s,  the time they let a skunk in the house, and their discovery of the  unforgettable Hot Rock tree.

.  The morning finding the boys ready as usual, the driver mentioning  “It’s too bad it’s not a school snow day”.  The Suburban continuing on  another 2 1/2 miles stopping at the Gene Pollock farm to pick up his oldest daughter before traversing onto highway 2  for the final two student stops,  and the 12 mile return  to Kiowa.  Gary was very cautious crossing the railroad tracks approaching  (Junior) and Vonda Domnick’s farm to gather their daughter Holly, but even more so when crossing back as the terrain has a blind spot and the passing train from the north can suddenly appear.

.  With the gathering of Holly, the last stop normally just a mile from town, the Girty residence, Dan and his younger sister Janelle just living far enough out-of-town to warrant a ride to school, but the last stop was subject to change with the addition of the Elliott family at the Chain Ranch adding another 14 miles to Gary’s suburban route..

.  The addition of the Elliott kids at the Chain Ranch required some changes in Gary scheduled pickup, all the students on his rout up to this time resided north and west of highway 2 thru Hazelton, then jogging east to Anthony in Harper County.  The Chain Ranch location was the opposite direction, 10 miles due east of town and ¾ of a mile  south;  which was  in Harper County.  This led to a question, why were Elliott’s attending Barber County USD 2 fifty five in Kiowa and not a school in the Harper County school district.  Gary posed the question to school superintendent Piper, the explanation was reasonable, one of  accommodation, the distance of the Chain Ranch to Anthony was over 25 miles, to Kiowa 10. 

 Gary reasoned,  the order of his stops would remain the same,  he would pick up the student’s living north and west of town,  on return head east thru Hazelton and Corwin and south to the Chain Ranch, then due west to Kiowa.  He calculated the Elliott stop would add an additional 30 minutes to his rout,  informing all to be ready 30 minutes earlier than usual, except for the Girty’s, who after finding out they would be picked up first rather than last decided they didn’t need a ride.

. Gary beginning his new assignment picking up his north of town allotment then turning east at Hazelton on unfamiliar territory,  never having driven on the well pocketed , on and off again black top of what was known as The Corwin Road.   Although having been to Corwin twice, but approaching from the south on an ambulance run from Kiowa, he now had an opportunity to observe what had been said about this relic of history town with its few remaining remnants.  Corwin getting its name from Oscar Corwin, it seems back in 1883,  when Oscar applied for a Postmaster Appointment for the area, many times it was  given the name of the person applying for the position.  The Missouri Pacific Railroad was in process of spider webbing Kansas with spur lines, the Corwin siding  inhaled opportunity,  and sprung to life.  The town becoming an agricultural hub,  with a bank, hotel, lumberyard, church, restaurants, school, blacksmith,  livery stables and with Carrie Nation threatening to visit, in all probability having a saloon. 

.  Gary’s wife Jan’s Uncle,  Charles Terry,  having retired from a life time of employment with Cities Service Petroleum and Gas Company pumping station at Corwin.  Cities Service  having completed the nation’s first long distance high pressure natural gas transportation system, a 24-inch pipeline,  stretching some 1,000 miles from Amarillo to Chicago.  Gary able to picture Corwin’s past,  remaining were the broad width of the streets,  where businesses once flourished, the vacant lots where homes once stood, the remains of the school and still in business,  the turn of the century grain elevators, adjoining the rail spur line that he knew were still in use, the BNSF locomotive and grain cars serving the Kiowa east grain elevators, with the  tracks that journeyed south from Corwin thru Kiowa into Oklahoma.

. It never ceased amaze the Suburban Driver of what mother nature had to offer, especially  on the river road morning Suburban rout,  having witnessed a variety of the animal husbandry readying themselves for the day.  A mother opossum with her little ones walking in the center of the road after a night of scurrying for food, a doe,  running up an incline with two coyotes in pursuit, and on some mornings,  when ahead of schedule,  pausing to watch the opalescent kaleidoscope that adorned a Kansas sunrise.   

. Gary having developed a cordiality with David and Carol Sue Meyer, having visited with David on several occasions, discovering they shared more than just opinions in common,  their birthday’s,  the same month, day and year,  and both entering the military in the spring of 1959.   David having a reputation as a community activist,  participating in Public Service,  serving as Moore Township trustee,  attending  City Council and Hospital Board meetings,  and having been elected to the school board of USD 2 fifty five.   Gary found that David was an inquisitive school board member,  instilling a concerned credibility to the position,  the only board member to actively visit the three schools on a regular nonscheduled basis throughout the year, not only visiting with the teachers and Administrative Hierarchy,  but with the non-certified personnel as well. 

Gary having admired Carol Sue’s driving expertise, piloting her car on her way to work at her mother’s,  DeAlva Clark’s Fabric Shop, actively traversing the mud endowed river road  to town.  David was from Cheney Kansas, the Meyers having retained a section of Carol Sue’s grandfather Reece Clark Senior’s  original land purchase of 18 83.  Gary on numerous occasions having to commence his Suburban school rout early when expecting weather adversity, but when not encountering it,  would summarily arrive ahead of time at the Meyer’s farm.  Carol Sue, noticing the unexpected early event,  extending Gary an invitation to a breakfast roll and a hot cup of coffee. 

. Gary having discovered his rural suburban rout created a special bonding with the kids,  a respected cordiality from the parents, and was a God sent blessing. 

.  It was early evening, the summer sun still hours away before the consumption of its effervescent rays giving way to the seraphic starlit Cimmerian,  the celestial sphere of the rural Kansas night sky.  Seated beside Gary in the Isuzu Pickup were his two confederate youngsters,  Robert and Sandi,  their expedition fishing paraphernalia stationed in the bed of the picayune transport.  This journey in all probability, a last foray to the paramount aquatic basin belonging to family friend and church brother, Marvin Ott.   The elder Ott after the closing the Bank of Kiowa,  finding it would be in his best interest to transfer the ownership of the illustrious fishing location property to his son Jon.

.   Gary politely phoning the new proprietor to acquire permission for he,  and his two siblings to acquaint the Ott’s fishing arena as in the past.   Jon in an antagonistic voice agreeing,  but his affirmation having a reluctant tone which wasn’t surprising to the prospective angler.  Jon’s reputation was one of antipathy, unlike his older brothers Doug and Brad, who’s presence was always one of congeniality.

.  A journey thru Hazelton, turning west on Gerlane Road, then turning north at the Dan Lew thee Farm,  passing the powell spread,  the abstracted Chevrolet pickup fulfilling the last 2 miles on the dirt entrenched roadway.  Coming into view a familiar sight,  a 100 yards down the sloping terrain, a small unpretentious lodging adjoining the first of two ponds.  The lower pond, a bass enriched dominion with its diminutive water landing dock sporting a  yellow paddle boat.

.  Disembarking, the family novice fisherman anxiously anticipating the challenge of the bass filled aquarium,  the paddle boat,  their perfect platform of dispatch,  providing an oracle for their venery.   Robert, pole in-hand,  casting off the right side of the paddled endowed vessel,  Sandi,  non-au courant when regarding casting, her line with hooked worm and bobber attached trolling from the aft quarters of the aqua platform.   The pond waters providing a respectable collection of bass, each of the three having success producing a sufficient product of quantity for their efforts, enjoying the quiet serenity of the gentle waters and the encompassing tranquil surroundings.

.  The aura of solitude was broken,  Gary distinguishing a pickup truck on the crest of a nearby hill,  a person at its forefront peering at them.  The person with the prying eyes was recognizable,  it was Jon Ott,  participating in a surveillance from a distance,  his conspicuous actions, traveling off-road across open fields to scrutinize the Willson family pleasure,  his veiled appearance projecting  an impression of distrust.   Gary’s benefit of the doubt towards Jon’s credibility,  a sense of disdain beginning to subsist, Jon verisimilitude of character would  forever be questioned.

.  The fishing venture coming to a conclusion,  Gary keeping his observance to himself,  the sun beginning to wane in the west, highlighting the exiguous cirrus clouds with shades of pink and ribbons of purple, giving a credulous to Kansas, the land of opulent sunrise’s and sunsets.  Robert and Sandi returning with an auspicious display,  their fishing expedition another joyous experience.

.  Scientifically speaking,  cannula embodiment was a deception,  in reality it’s was a conduit,  aggregating the wondrous effulgence dispatched from a boundless infinite realm of the night time sky.   Its presence,  a stature of prominence in the chronicles of revelation, introducing an acuity of knowledge,  a prescription for discovery and a gifted glimpse of the community tenants populating the vastness of the universe.   In other words, in plain english,  the 5.12 inch Celestron reflector telescope  having found a place of honor and lodging with Gary.   His youthful excursions to the Chabot Observatory,  the telescope viewing of the planet Saturn with its majestic yellow rings and a dwelling into the realm of Scinece Fiction authors Robert Heinlein,  Isaac Asimov culminating with a monthly in person acquaintance with Poul Anderson and Rog Phillips,  at the Elves, Gnomes’ and Little Men’s Science Fiction, Chowder and Marching Society monthly meetings in a Telegraph Ave private library in Berkeley,  all contributed to Gary’s propensity for the nocturnal sky and its celestial  inhabitants.

.  The brilliance of the moon casting earthen shadows, silhouetting the landscape with a metamorphosis of symmetry, Gary acquainting the telescope to a  family gathering at the Bud Murrow residence.  The astronomer organizing a viewing order, first Jan and her sister Lynne, and Brother-in-Law Shawn,  the children, Robert, Sandi, the Johnson girls,  Sarah and Jamie the youngest.   Finally with some encouragement,  Jan’s mother Helen,  and her Aunt Esther and Uncle Charles Terry,  Bud remaining contentious, an inherent demeanor,  above placing his eye to a magnifying lens.  The elder Murrow missing an opportunity to inhale the breathtaking view of the Moon,  Jupiter and its ever-increasing number of discovered satellites, but Gary understood,  that was just Bud expressing his congenital aestheticism.

.   Gary’s asseveration was a lifelong desire,  a camera mount for a telescope to envision his own photographs of the celestial essence found in the nocturnal sky, but discovering that his Minolta 35 mm. camera’s aperture wasn’t conducive for the undertaking. When mentioning a camera he noticed an immediate accession in his Buds interest suddenly was exhibited.   Bud a camera enthusiast offering to loan his expensive but authoritative Cannon 35 mm. camera to accommodate Gary’s purpose.   The event exposing the eldest Murrow’s hidden but true interest in photography, not the end results, but the challenge in obtaining them,  exhibiting the nature  of  a  true construction engineer.   Gary not amazed at the response from the group, remembering the lasting feeling from a first time viewing of the celestial world we live in.

“There’s a time for joy,  a time for tears,  a time we’ll remember through the years,  we’ll remember always graduation day“,  the lyrics of the Four Freshman promulgating the up-coming graduation event.   Gary’s wife Jan having concluded a two year educational journey, accomplishing an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Pratt Community College.

Gary not surprised at his wife’s steadfast resolve in pursuing a nursing career,  as this is who she is, remembering when she answered the communities call,  becoming an EMT on the ambulance service. but also remembering the words of her mother, questioning why she would want to leave her current position at the bank and become a nurse.  Her decision was inn reality a revelation, because on July 17th 1986, the FDIC regulating commission closed the Bank of Kiowa, Jan enrolling in the Pratt Community College nursing program.

Gary was surprised when she inquired if he would play the  piano  for the nursing class graduation ceremony.   At first somewhat hesitant, but realizing this was Jan stellar moment in life, he couldn’t decline,  questioning as to what his participation would encompass,  discovering he was to provide a prelude then the entrance processional, followed by an interlude and upon the conclusion the recessional.

Gary having no difficulty selecting what he would play for the processional and recessional,  but discovering the Preeminent of the Nursing Department, director Jeanie Walsh,  was paramour to a song from the Broadway musical,  a little night music,   Send In The Clowns,  made popular by folksinger Judy Collins.   Gary immediately finding a humorous countenance in the title,  especially to be perform as a prelude before the assembly of soon-to-be nurses.   He had decided the entrance processional would be a composition for his wife,  Jan at one time having mentioned her high school class graduation song was  The Impossible Dream,  it too from a Broadway production,  The Man From La Moncha

Gary vaguely recalling the Send In The Clowns song, and not possessing a recording for his musical ear to posture,   realizing he would be compelled to buy the sheet music.  Once purchased,  another discovery, the score was written  with a 12/8 temporal signature.    The up’ed  waltz time beginning was perceptible, but, the bridge presented a problem,  it wasn’t registering with the non sight reading musician.

Where there’s a will, there’s away.  Gary whom worked at the Kiowa grade school, asking  music teacher,  Cathy Cox  if she would play the song so the bridge would register with him.   Cathy seated at the piano, somewhat apologetic, as it was her first time sight reading the send in the clowns musical score.   Her first attempt was elucidating,  performance exacting,  providing the missing bridge connotation needed for Gary’s educated ear.  The pianist now confident with a few personalized brush strokes,  he could flourish the composer’s artistic musical  painting.

The evening of Pratt Community College graduation ceremony having arrived,  the gymnasium was suffused with friends,  family and all the consolidated graduates of the class of 1988 from  the divergent career majors.   A vocalist and pianist commenced the all class program,  continued with multifarious address’s from college and guest dignitaries,  followed by an acknowledgement of the graduating students  with a replica of diploma’s for their accession.   The student gathering diverging,   Jan’s diminutive sized nursing class leaving the arena,  to a lecture auditorium,  addressed with a stage and raised seating

Gary taking notice of a  grand piano positioned to one side of the stage, a podium,  and a large movie screen centered as a backdrop.  Seated with  Jan’s parents, her sister Gail, and  her  aunt and uncle, Charles and Esther Terry,  the nursing class to be positioned in the forefront before the podium.

Gary removing himself from the group,  ascending the stage,  seating himself at the piano, beginning the prelude.  The processional beginning to  The Impossible Dream as the classes entered.   The program continuing, the introduction speeches and acknowledgements, Gary remaining at the piano.  The lights beginning to dim, a projector coming to life,  highlighting the screen with photos of the past,  accounts of class outings and events,  scenes of the class members close two-year affiliation.   Gary beginning to play the appropriate background music, noting some of the assembly forging tears of melancholy,  the pianist knowing his selection  moving,  their erstwhile comradely during their educational ascendancy, would forever be an anchored memory.

With the ceremony coming to a conclusion, Gary’s beginning the recessional,  Chariots of Fire,.  a befitting tribute to those about to journey as care-giving professionals who’s profession is one of caring for others, and  bear witness to the beginning and the ending of life.  Her formal college perquisite fulfilled,  Jan preparing for state,   the Kansas State Board of Nursing Exams,   a real test of her two years of accumulative nursing knowledge.  Each graduate having to pass the state exams to be licensed as a Registered Nurse.   Gary having no doubt she would accomplish her goal. He reasoned,  his intransigent apportionment was just one of many  providing a foundation for her to attain her destination.

His encouragement, a mitigating essential,  when others questioned her passion for a career in nursing.  On occasion Gary even enrolled in her off campus college course’s so it would meet the student quota for credit.   but it was knowing,  that her perseverance and determination would emancipate a final accomplishment,   “Jan Willson, Registered nurse