I am sometimes asked, "How are you able to sit by the bedside of a dying person, console families, and conduct funeral services?" I estimate that I have conducted about 250 funeral services in my 31 years of ordained Christian ministry So far in the first 2 months of 2012, I have conducted 4 services. One was for a very, very close friend.
Like the Apostle Paul, "...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.." The question that follows is how I be strengthened by Christ?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
WE WUZ ROBBED!! But what did you expect?
This happened our senior year. Even in our naive innocence we learned that things do not always turn out as you expect !
An old friend of Mr. Harris came to PCHS, I think without any advance warning, to put on a one-man show for the students.
After coughing up 20 cents, we went to the gym and we sat with anxious anticipation for the show to begin. Would we see a magic act? Would he pull a rabbit out of a hat?
The fellow looked older than Mr. Harris, and that is saying something. Was he one of the last relics of Vaudeville? Would he do a soft shoe dance routine while playing Swanee River on a harmonica?
Ed Sullivan often featured a gent who did hand shadows of famous people on a screen. Perhaps this unusual act was in store for the entertainment starved youth of PCHS.
Our questions were soon answered when he began to quote poetry from Indiana's own James Whitcome Riley. The only poem I remember was the immortal--"When the frost is on the pumpkin."
Credit where it is due: His voice and diction reflected hours of practice. I suspect he was a retired Literature teacher and this was a quick way to turn a buck. Maybe Mr. Harris owed him something.
It is hard to project your own disappointment upon others. Yet, as I looked around, it appeared to me and others, their facial expressions seemed to reflect a collective mirror that seemed to say--"We wuz robbed!"
Perhaps part of my skepticism at age 17 remains. Did this fellow and Mr. Harris split the take?
An old friend of Mr. Harris came to PCHS, I think without any advance warning, to put on a one-man show for the students.
After coughing up 20 cents, we went to the gym and we sat with anxious anticipation for the show to begin. Would we see a magic act? Would he pull a rabbit out of a hat?
The fellow looked older than Mr. Harris, and that is saying something. Was he one of the last relics of Vaudeville? Would he do a soft shoe dance routine while playing Swanee River on a harmonica?
Ed Sullivan often featured a gent who did hand shadows of famous people on a screen. Perhaps this unusual act was in store for the entertainment starved youth of PCHS.
Our questions were soon answered when he began to quote poetry from Indiana's own James Whitcome Riley. The only poem I remember was the immortal--"When the frost is on the pumpkin."
Credit where it is due: His voice and diction reflected hours of practice. I suspect he was a retired Literature teacher and this was a quick way to turn a buck. Maybe Mr. Harris owed him something.
It is hard to project your own disappointment upon others. Yet, as I looked around, it appeared to me and others, their facial expressions seemed to reflect a collective mirror that seemed to say--"We wuz robbed!"
Perhaps part of my skepticism at age 17 remains. Did this fellow and Mr. Harris split the take?
Saturday, February 18, 2012
YOU GOTTA HAND IT TO ME---WARTS AND ALL!
1. From about the fifth grade to about the eighth grade I had a dime size planters wart on my right hand. It is probably a real miracle I didn't get an infection or blood poisoning by my amateur attempts to cut it out with a pocket knife and the family scissors. Without warning, the wart started to shrink and the remains just fell off.
2. For several years my brother had a least 25 warts on both hands. My mother tried medicine, folk cures to no success. I cannot explain how I came upon this cure. Without our Mom's knowledge, I poured an entire jug of Clorox into a bucket and talked my brother to soak his hand for about 2 minutes in the Clorox. His hands were snow white for a couple of days. But within ten days all of warts were gone!
3. In the eighth grade I was reaching behind my desk and pulling on Steve Gilley's pants leg. He grew tired of it and had a very sharp pencil and jammed one of my fingers. I still carry in my right hand the lead that broke off in my finger !
This way is off the purpose of the Blog. However, it is part of my school days.
2. For several years my brother had a least 25 warts on both hands. My mother tried medicine, folk cures to no success. I cannot explain how I came upon this cure. Without our Mom's knowledge, I poured an entire jug of Clorox into a bucket and talked my brother to soak his hand for about 2 minutes in the Clorox. His hands were snow white for a couple of days. But within ten days all of warts were gone!
3. In the eighth grade I was reaching behind my desk and pulling on Steve Gilley's pants leg. He grew tired of it and had a very sharp pencil and jammed one of my fingers. I still carry in my right hand the lead that broke off in my finger !
This way is off the purpose of the Blog. However, it is part of my school days.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
WATCH FOR IT !
It'll Be Here Soon !!!!!
Rock n Roll With A Very Personal Perspective !
I Was There When It Happened And I Guess I Ought To Know! ----Country Gospel Song in Early 1950's
Rock n Roll With A Very Personal Perspective !
I Was There When It Happened And I Guess I Ought To Know! ----Country Gospel Song in Early 1950's
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
ADDITIONAL WAGON WHEEL INN INFO
One of my relatives who was known to frequent the Wagon Wheel Inn told me the following story:
My relative shared this in the first person. I must assume he saw the following events:
One evening, about dark, he attempted to enter the Wagon Wheel Inn and was stopped by a shot gun wielding employee who was sitting on the roof with the shot gun in his lap.
He bravely announced, "There has been a stabbing inside and the sheriff has been called and there ain't nobody going in or going out!"
This was all my relative needed. He turned around and drove away.
I do not think I every went there again.
My relative shared this in the first person. I must assume he saw the following events:
One evening, about dark, he attempted to enter the Wagon Wheel Inn and was stopped by a shot gun wielding employee who was sitting on the roof with the shot gun in his lap.
He bravely announced, "There has been a stabbing inside and the sheriff has been called and there ain't nobody going in or going out!"
This was all my relative needed. He turned around and drove away.
I do not think I every went there again.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS !
Just a little off the main purpose of the Blog
However, it reminds us of our future. It is easy to point out all of the problems the younger generation experience. Let's not forget, there are a bunch of kids that are on the right track. Hope I live long enough to see these young folks step to the front.
Letter was printed in the Shawnee News-Star
(For the record my grand children were in the audience with me.)
However, it reminds us of our future. It is easy to point out all of the problems the younger generation experience. Let's not forget, there are a bunch of kids that are on the right track. Hope I live long enough to see these young folks step to the front.
Letter was printed in the Shawnee News-Star
(For the record my grand children were in the audience with me.)
June 26, 2011
Letter to the Editor,
Six thumbs up (grandpa and two grandchildren) for the delightful, refreshing, and inspiring performance of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factor, Jr at the Shawnee Little Theater this past weekend.
The players ranged in age from kindergarten to an 11th grader. The costumes, sets, lighting, sound, musical numbers, complete with choreography, were “Broadway Grade.”
The production was the culmination of a three week camp in drama and stage production. The high energy and obvious skillful preparation resulted in a continuous crowd pleasing performance.
Especially heartwarming was the participation of several sibling performing teams. The smiles on parents and grandparents registered real pride and satisfaction with their “DNA Darlings!”
Shawnee is blessed to have the Little Theater, a large cadre of volunteers and performers of all ages who bring much needed enjoyment in today’s challenging world.
BRAVO to all!
Glenn C. Peck,
Friday, February 10, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
THE FUGITIVE ---ONE DAY CUTTING SCHOOL
One school day a classmate and an underclassman and yours truly decided to spend our school day playing pinball at a hamburger joint. The food was fair but the big attraction was a pinball machine that "paid off": Games won could be sold back to the owner for a nickle a game. I made a grand total of $.80 that day.
This "den of iniquity" was on Hwy 7 and if driving north it was between Walnut Ridge and the Grayford road. It was called the Wagon Wheel Inn. A similar name was given to a place on Hwy 50 before you hit Buttlerville. I think it may have burned.
Every time the door opened I was sure it was our one person truant officer: The infamous Mary Ketchem! She had a Dodge--think it was a 1947. I also believe it was green--not real sure.
This was my one and only day of skipping school. I was a nervous wreck when I got back home.
The Wagon Wheel was converted into a church building long after we graduated! God can change everything to His purpose.
This "den of iniquity" was on Hwy 7 and if driving north it was between Walnut Ridge and the Grayford road. It was called the Wagon Wheel Inn. A similar name was given to a place on Hwy 50 before you hit Buttlerville. I think it may have burned.
Every time the door opened I was sure it was our one person truant officer: The infamous Mary Ketchem! She had a Dodge--think it was a 1947. I also believe it was green--not real sure.
This was my one and only day of skipping school. I was a nervous wreck when I got back home.
The Wagon Wheel was converted into a church building long after we graduated! God can change everything to His purpose.
Monday, February 6, 2012
OLD PCHS FRIENDS COME FOR WELCOME VISIT
OK! This a bait and switch Post Title!
My favorite winter time star consellations are Orion and Canis Major (Big Dog) I spent countless hours exploring these beautiful stars in high school. (Psalm 19:1 is a great verse to discribe God's creative power.)
Each cloudless winter night finds me looking with awe and wonder at these two very special constellations.
It is getting very hard to find no-light polluted skies. After I get to Heaven I hope to see these stars from the other side!
My favorite winter time star consellations are Orion and Canis Major (Big Dog) I spent countless hours exploring these beautiful stars in high school. (Psalm 19:1 is a great verse to discribe God's creative power.)
Each cloudless winter night finds me looking with awe and wonder at these two very special constellations.
It is getting very hard to find no-light polluted skies. After I get to Heaven I hope to see these stars from the other side!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A HOUND OF SATAN IS ON MY TRAIL ! V.2.0
BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE LEGAL ISSUES THE ORIGINAL POST HAS BEEN REMOVED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS.
COLD WAR HUMOR # 2
This will make more sense if you read Cold War Humor #1 first.
Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin, and brutal Soviet killer of 30 million of his own people died in March 1953. TV news was just coming of age and there was great competition among the networks to get as close as possible to his body. A comic had this skit and it may be a bit sick for some.
"This is John Cameron Swayze bringing you exclusive coverage of the thousands of Russians lined up to view Stalin's body. I am just outside the fortified wall that shields Red Square. This is as close as I can get."
"Good evening. This is Lowell Thomas bringing you exclusive coverage of the death and after mat of Stalin's passing. I am just inside the Red Square wall, about 200 yards from where the butcher of the ages lies in State."
"(Very low and determined speaking voice.) This is Edward R. Murrow inside the casket."
After all these years, I still think the act was funny !
Again, I ask, why in the world do I remember such nonsense??
My brother, and my wife have often accused me of being trapped in the 1950's. Maybe I am. This was the Golden Era, WWII was only a decade old, the world was very concerned about nuclear war, and Rock n Roll was born, jobs were assumed and assured, and TV was making a big. big impact. I am a few days away from launching my outline of the music of our time. It will be something I have wanted to do for a long, long time.
Please let our other classmates know of this Blog.
Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin, and brutal Soviet killer of 30 million of his own people died in March 1953. TV news was just coming of age and there was great competition among the networks to get as close as possible to his body. A comic had this skit and it may be a bit sick for some.
"This is John Cameron Swayze bringing you exclusive coverage of the thousands of Russians lined up to view Stalin's body. I am just outside the fortified wall that shields Red Square. This is as close as I can get."
"Good evening. This is Lowell Thomas bringing you exclusive coverage of the death and after mat of Stalin's passing. I am just inside the Red Square wall, about 200 yards from where the butcher of the ages lies in State."
"(Very low and determined speaking voice.) This is Edward R. Murrow inside the casket."
After all these years, I still think the act was funny !
Again, I ask, why in the world do I remember such nonsense??
My brother, and my wife have often accused me of being trapped in the 1950's. Maybe I am. This was the Golden Era, WWII was only a decade old, the world was very concerned about nuclear war, and Rock n Roll was born, jobs were assumed and assured, and TV was making a big. big impact. I am a few days away from launching my outline of the music of our time. It will be something I have wanted to do for a long, long time.
Please let our other classmates know of this Blog.
Friday, February 3, 2012
COLD WAR HUMOR # 1
THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING!
1. The Cold War was very dangerous during our high school days. Upfront Note: The Cold War with the Soviet Union was hot, very hot. In another post, I will provide some insights you may not know.
2. Lots of variety TV shows---Milton Berle, Red Skeleton, Show of Shows, Ed Sullivan, and a ton more. (I would give anything for my grand kids to see the talent I saw.) Today SITCOMs are King.
Stand up comics in our high school days were trying to make the Cold War not so serious.
Dinah Shore had a very good show. (Dinah seemed to radiate energy and joy.)Some comic took her theme song. "See the USA in your Chevrolet." The comic said Russia had their own version: The singer was Dinahusi Shoreski: "See the USSR in your armored car"
I cannot explain how or why I remember such trivia. Today, I cannot remember a three item grocery list!
1. The Cold War was very dangerous during our high school days. Upfront Note: The Cold War with the Soviet Union was hot, very hot. In another post, I will provide some insights you may not know.
2. Lots of variety TV shows---Milton Berle, Red Skeleton, Show of Shows, Ed Sullivan, and a ton more. (I would give anything for my grand kids to see the talent I saw.) Today SITCOMs are King.
Stand up comics in our high school days were trying to make the Cold War not so serious.
Dinah Shore had a very good show. (Dinah seemed to radiate energy and joy.)Some comic took her theme song. "See the USA in your Chevrolet." The comic said Russia had their own version: The singer was Dinahusi Shoreski: "See the USSR in your armored car"
I cannot explain how or why I remember such trivia. Today, I cannot remember a three item grocery list!
Monday, January 16, 2012
False Spring Is A Big Thing
Weather is the cornerstone of almost all activities in Oklahoma. Rain is a big event. Tornadoes capture hours of live coverage. Ice storms really bring the state to a complete halt. Every home has a NOAA radio. Weather is often the lead story in many news telecasts. In the stores, malls, church, schools, the rainfall amounts are the talked about events.
My grandmother,on my Mom's side,was rumored to be part Cherokee Indian. She taught me that thunderstorms to the north seldom make it to your location. She also said if low hanging white clouds are moving very fast against a black higher cloud bank there is high speed winds coming your way.
I am not sure if she taught me that in January their will always be a couple of above normal temperature weeks: Called a False Spring.
The high temperature today was 73 and the normal high is 49 degrees. We have experience only a very light coating of snow this winter.
In the church I am privileged to pastor, we have several Native Americans. According to some of them----cattle feeding facing north is not a good time to hunt or fish. Cattle lying down is another bad sign to go fishing.
Native American culture is a source of strength and confusion for some Native Americans. Some tribes and nations are more traditional than others. Native American elections are seldom final after the first count. Recounts and court cases are very common. Some of the tribes kick out all of the previous administration and hire kinfolks to replace them. Mismanagement and lack of progress reigns in many tribes. The Citizen Pottawati Nation is an exception and retains quality workers regardless of who wins.
There are about 85 tribes and nations in OK.(Over 300,000 Native Americans) They have their own license plates, have their own police force and manage the 200 plus Casinos we have in the state. Gambling addition is strangling our state. The media is afraid to tackle the problem because they fear the loss of Casino advertising.
Somehow I started with weather and stopped with Casinos. I have relatives that are trapped in the gambling jungle. When they rarely win they stay until the payday is zero again.
In spite of millions generated at the Casinos the average Indian is in poverty, unemployed, struggles with destructive addictions. The myth of the Noble Savage is just a myth.
Most Native Americans are eager to help and are very stoic and almost to the point of being fatalistic. Some are very prejudiced against "Blue Eyes" Most are trying to live in two worlds at once. Often the results are tragic. Our churches are working hard to bring the saving Grace of Jesus to all people,
Do I love Oklahoma and the people here? Amen and Amen!
My grandmother,on my Mom's side,was rumored to be part Cherokee Indian. She taught me that thunderstorms to the north seldom make it to your location. She also said if low hanging white clouds are moving very fast against a black higher cloud bank there is high speed winds coming your way.
I am not sure if she taught me that in January their will always be a couple of above normal temperature weeks: Called a False Spring.
The high temperature today was 73 and the normal high is 49 degrees. We have experience only a very light coating of snow this winter.
In the church I am privileged to pastor, we have several Native Americans. According to some of them----cattle feeding facing north is not a good time to hunt or fish. Cattle lying down is another bad sign to go fishing.
Native American culture is a source of strength and confusion for some Native Americans. Some tribes and nations are more traditional than others. Native American elections are seldom final after the first count. Recounts and court cases are very common. Some of the tribes kick out all of the previous administration and hire kinfolks to replace them. Mismanagement and lack of progress reigns in many tribes. The Citizen Pottawati Nation is an exception and retains quality workers regardless of who wins.
There are about 85 tribes and nations in OK.(Over 300,000 Native Americans) They have their own license plates, have their own police force and manage the 200 plus Casinos we have in the state. Gambling addition is strangling our state. The media is afraid to tackle the problem because they fear the loss of Casino advertising.
Somehow I started with weather and stopped with Casinos. I have relatives that are trapped in the gambling jungle. When they rarely win they stay until the payday is zero again.
In spite of millions generated at the Casinos the average Indian is in poverty, unemployed, struggles with destructive addictions. The myth of the Noble Savage is just a myth.
Most Native Americans are eager to help and are very stoic and almost to the point of being fatalistic. Some are very prejudiced against "Blue Eyes" Most are trying to live in two worlds at once. Often the results are tragic. Our churches are working hard to bring the saving Grace of Jesus to all people,
Do I love Oklahoma and the people here? Amen and Amen!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year--2012
As I write this the New Year is less than five minutes old.
This New Year may be the most Important in our life time.Our voting will not only be about four years, but the next forty years as well.
May God Bless you and your family in 2012!
Glenn <><
This New Year may be the most Important in our life time.Our voting will not only be about four years, but the next forty years as well.
May God Bless you and your family in 2012!
Glenn <><
Thursday, December 29, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR----2012
I Cannot Recall So Much Excitement, Anxiety, and Worry About An Up Coming New Year As 2012.
I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet. However, I will share some of the concerns that many have:
1. Middle East---Iran may be just days away from detonating a crude nuclear weapon. Permitting the Iranians to construct such a weapon is like giving a four old child a full clip, loaded 9MM, to play with.
Our hasty withdrawal from Iraq has made an Israeli air attack much more difficult because it is doubtful over flight permission will be granted. Extending inbound and outbound flight times impacts every aspect of war planning: Exposure
to defensive air and ground assets is greatly increased. Aerial refueling resources are stretched. Ditto aerial command and control assets. Recon and bomb damage assessment is considerably longer and harder. Regenerating aerial resources for future sorties becomes a commander's worst nightmare.
I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet. However, I will share some of the concerns that many have:
1. Middle East---Iran may be just days away from detonating a crude nuclear weapon. Permitting the Iranians to construct such a weapon is like giving a four old child a full clip, loaded 9MM, to play with.
Our hasty withdrawal from Iraq has made an Israeli air attack much more difficult because it is doubtful over flight permission will be granted. Extending inbound and outbound flight times impacts every aspect of war planning: Exposure
to defensive air and ground assets is greatly increased. Aerial refueling resources are stretched. Ditto aerial command and control assets. Recon and bomb damage assessment is considerably longer and harder. Regenerating aerial resources for future sorties becomes a commander's worst nightmare.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
NORTH POLE Reality Show Causes Marriage Breakup!
THE UNTHINKABLE HAS HAPPENED: Santa & Mrs. Claus have Split !!!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011!
This past week I listened to a very compelling radio evangelist who said something that froze me in my tracks:
"Between the end of the Old Testament (Book of Malachi) to the start of the New Testament( Book of Mathew) 400 years had passed without God speaking to His people and that streak of silence was broken with a little baby's cry!"
WOW!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
"Between the end of the Old Testament (Book of Malachi) to the start of the New Testament( Book of Mathew) 400 years had passed without God speaking to His people and that streak of silence was broken with a little baby's cry!"
WOW!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Our Music: When Elvis Came To PCHS---Well, Sort of
In our Sophomore year the Tupelo, MS Flash was already making a big splash.
I received a first hand report by one of our Sophomore classmates who had his driver's license and saw Elvis in concert in Louisville, KY.
He was a big Elvis fan, he even had wanna be sideburns to prove it, and said the concert was a wild scene. He said the music was great; Elvis put on quite a show; and the females in the audience never stopped screaming.
I do not want to embarrass or offend any readers of this blog by my next few comments. However, at almost 70 years of age, I think I can speak openly, especially to my classmates.. Our classmate said Elvis was signing autographs on the bras of some his adoring fans. I had no corroborating information, only this one student's testimony.
I have heard the late J.D.Sumner of the Stamps Quartet, who backed up Elvis at Vegas, say many times that following the last show of the night, Elvis would sing Southern Gospel music with them until the wee hours of the morning. Elvis' gospel recordings rank among my favorites. Especially, How Great Thou Art.
Interestingly, while in seminary, one of my classmates was Rick Stanley, a half-brother to Elvis. After Elvis' Mom died, Vernon, Elvis' Dad, married Rick's Mom and they moved into Graceland. Rick said he knew he was living in a different world when he was in the basement watching his half-brother play pool with The Beetles!
Rick is now an evangelist and as far as I know he has never attempted to glorify Elvis or his lifestyle. See: www.rickstanleyministries.com/
I received a first hand report by one of our Sophomore classmates who had his driver's license and saw Elvis in concert in Louisville, KY.
He was a big Elvis fan, he even had wanna be sideburns to prove it, and said the concert was a wild scene. He said the music was great; Elvis put on quite a show; and the females in the audience never stopped screaming.
I do not want to embarrass or offend any readers of this blog by my next few comments. However, at almost 70 years of age, I think I can speak openly, especially to my classmates.. Our classmate said Elvis was signing autographs on the bras of some his adoring fans. I had no corroborating information, only this one student's testimony.
I have heard the late J.D.Sumner of the Stamps Quartet, who backed up Elvis at Vegas, say many times that following the last show of the night, Elvis would sing Southern Gospel music with them until the wee hours of the morning. Elvis' gospel recordings rank among my favorites. Especially, How Great Thou Art.
Interestingly, while in seminary, one of my classmates was Rick Stanley, a half-brother to Elvis. After Elvis' Mom died, Vernon, Elvis' Dad, married Rick's Mom and they moved into Graceland. Rick said he knew he was living in a different world when he was in the basement watching his half-brother play pool with The Beetles!
Rick is now an evangelist and as far as I know he has never attempted to glorify Elvis or his lifestyle. See: www.rickstanleyministries.com/
Friday, December 16, 2011
"Willie Boy"---Town Drunk
THIS IS A FICTITIOUS STORY. I WROTE IT SOME TIME AGO FOR A CHRISTIAN BLOG THAT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE. THE MOTIVATION CAME FROM A REAL WORLD EVENT THAT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS SELLING CEMETERY PROPERTY. A DAD WITH A BROKEN HEART CAME TO HIS TEENAGE SON'S GRAVE EVERYDAY---RAIN OR SHINE. THE SON HAD DIED IN A CAR WRECK MANY YEARS AGO. SOMETIME HE WOULD STAND FOR JUST A FEW MINUTES---SOMETIMES FOR MANY MINUTES.
Glenn C. Peck, Pastor
Every small town has at least one, sometimes two or three town drunks. Your Town had just one---“Willie Boy” Rigby.
“Willie Boy” was hardly your stereotypical town drunk. He never begged; never got belligerent; never passed out in public and only frequented one of Your Town’s three bars.
What then qualified “Willie Boy” as the town drunk?
His journey toward that dubious title started when William Rigby, wife Susan and 19 year old son Carl moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Your Town in 1968.
William was a prominent and very successful investment broker in Cleveland and brought his considerable fortune to Your Town because Susan wanted to be near her father and ailing mother.
Within a year the wheels started to come off William’s life: His mother-in-law dies; Susan rekindles a relationship with her high school sweetheart; and Carl is drafted into the Army.
The next year was even worse. Susan divorced him and Carl was killed in the Tet Offensive in Viet Nam.
William became very depressed and took early retirement. He sold their big, new home on the east side of Your Town and moved into an apartment downtown. His drinking migrated from the weekends, to three times a week, to every day in just a matter of a few weeks.
He was often seen standing with arms folded and head bowed at Carl’s grave. His clothes soon smelled like he washed them in liquor and he always looked like he needed about seven shaves.
The moniker of “Willie Boy” stuck after some mean-spirited teenage boys saw him walking to the cemetery and yelled from a car, “Hey, Willie you goin’ to see your dead boy?” In an instant “Willie Boy” was born and soon the entire town called him by that name. He hated it but was powerless to change it.
Years passed and “Willie Boy” continued to drink heavily and make his daily journey to the cemetery.
One rainy morning he was struck by a hit-and-run driver. He lived for two days in ICU and was only able to utter a few intelligible words. He asked that his journal be brought to his bedside.
A policeman and a hospital social worker went to his apartment to retrieve his large, dog-eared, and smelly journal. He died clutching the journal.
At his graveside service the Captain of the Your Town Salvation Army read his obituary and some Bible verses and spoke of his search for peace. The Captain then opened the journal and shocked the small crowd when he read a statement that appeared at the top of each page: “Dear God, please send someone to help me today.”
On the inside of the back cover was penned something of a Will. “Whatever is left, divide equally among the five churches in town. Maybe they will try and help people like me. I miss Carl so much. I am very sad and so lonely---William Rigby.”
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