A strange transformation has taken me in my later years. When I graduated from Eldorado High School in 1975 I could not wait to get away from my second Hometown. My first had been Chicago. I moved the morning after graduation. Now I can not seem to travel back to Eldorado enough times to get my fill of memories. The change occurred when I began to write fictionalized stories about my 12 years in the little town. The narratives are made up of a mixture of truth and fiction. They are based on happy times that happened throughout the 1960s.

‘You know…Kiddo…I think that we should start attending church…Grandma Askew says Armageddon is coming,’ said Neva J. ”I would like to come along with you guys…you know I have always been curious about spiritual matters,’ Chet said matter of factly. ‘I enjoy reading the Bible Story Books in Dr. Ferrel’s office,’ Billy B. added.

‘Well today is the Halloween Hike…but we will take our Bibles with us,’ Jane said. ‘I will bring my Bible with the handmade leather cover on it…Michael T. made it for me,’ Billy B. said with a smile. ‘I can not quit watching the news reports of the Russian missiles in Cuba,’ Neva J. said with a concerned look in her eyes. ‘Did you pack the wine,’ Jane asked with a laugh.

My goodness, it is dark today in the woods,’ Darryl said with some trepidation. ‘What did the news say regarding the missile stand-off, Chet asked. ‘Walter Conkrite said that the United States should prepare for war,’ Neva J. answered as she poured a glass of Merlot for each of them. ‘How could we have come to this…how could our leaders have been so foolish,’ Billy B. bemoaned.

Suddenly the woods was brilliantly lit with the whitest light that any of the hikers had ever seen.

‘Wake Up Billy B… the church is over and it is time to go home,’ Neva J. said. As they exited the massive red doors Jane said, ‘My God…it is all gone…

I was watching a documentary regarding a megachurch and its obsession with money and power and acquiring inroads with the elite and rich and powerful of the planet. Also, this church, and many others, seemed to not be concerned with members of their flock when they had been abused by clergy…including sexual abuse…but rather sought to cover up the wrong. Now please do not think that you know of whom I am speaking…as this sad indictment applies to many churches. There often is a love bombing and a feeling of family…until you cross the line and begin to question how the ‘Family’ does business…and who is left by the side of the road and marginalized and if they choose to leave the fellowship…forgotten…

The question is church a social club or a Power of Positive Thinking organization that can teach its members how to become rich…as long as they give of their labor…for free and…who will give of their money to facilitate a magnificent church building and a pastor who lives like a king or queen…until they do not have enough to live on themselves…or a class system for the elite and then the other folks who are the salt of the earth and good for menial work and servitude…

Church leaders who are accountable to God and no one else…are dangerous.
When the sparkle of gold is the goal and not the old rugged cross…we have a prescription for disaster. How is it that the Creator who fashioned our universe and all other universes…would be captivated and enamored with a mineral we call gold that we dig from the earth that he made?

Christian scripture assures us that the love of Christ passes all man’s understanding. ‘The Son of Man came eating and drinking (with others), and they say, ‘Look! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners (including non-observant Jews)!’ Yet wisdom is justified and vindicated by her deeds (in the lives of those who respond to Me).’ Amplified Bible

Brock is Tarzan. He sent me a photo the other day where he was dangling from a high cable. He works across several states for a company that installs and oversees Zip Lines and other high wire fun.

Brock was born with adventure genes in our family. He is the youngest and I am the oldest of our paternal lineage. Brock is one talented fellow. He is impossible to beat at the game Cards Against Humanity…

We are planning on going to Maine next year and we already have the Air B & B. secured for next September. It will be great fun…and I hope that there is something to climb…

Each time we get together…a party ensues. The happiness of enjoying each other’s company is extraordinary. The famous philosopher Forest Gump’s mother said that ‘Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you are going to get.’ ‘Life’ connected us with the best when we found Brock and Marcy and Jaime and Morgan and Jeb.

‘Tonight is going to be a great movie at the Orpheum Theatre…Son Of Frankenstein is screening,’ Chet said with a wink and a nod. ‘You know that I have a distinct weakness for Frankenstein,’ Billy B. proclaimed! ‘I did not think that the original Frankenstein was scary,’ Jane observed. ‘Yes…but we have not met the Son…yet,’ Neva J. bemused. ‘Mrs. Butler reminded me of The Bride Of Frankenstein, Darryl added. ‘She seemed a bit intense…and not easy to live with,’ Chet reflected.

October 14th was a big night in Eldorado as it was only two weeks to Halloween. The town was festooned with all manner of decorations. There were skeletons on the front porches and Jack O’ Lanterns abounded at every nook and cranny. Ms. Sybil was reading fortunes outside the Ben Franklin Dime Store and more than one Eldoradoian reported that they had seen her riding her broom through the night sky by the light of the full moon. School had let out early to give the kids a headstart on the Halloween Fall Jubilee…and spirits…of all manner…were high.

‘There is supposed to be a special surprise at the movie screening tonight,’ Neva J. said with a wicked smile. ‘What is it…will there be free popcorn,’ Jane giggled. ‘I heard that the mayor is going to dress up like Frankenstein and meander through the Theatre puffing a cigar and saying…’ Smoke Good,’ Chet laughed. ‘I bet it is John the Orpheum owner who will be the one in costume,’ Billy B. commented.

Sybil had moved down from the Dime Store and was now in front of the entrance to the Orpheum. ‘My goodness, you look nice Neva J. are you dressed as a witch…or do you always wear black and red,’ Sybil asked with a toothless smile and a haunting laugh. ‘I happen to like red and black…they are my favorite colors…but the pointed hat and broom are for special effects,’ Neva J. responded. ‘Be prepared for a Halloween surprise…something that you cannot imagine…something wicked and delightful and magical,’ Sybil said. ‘Well…the movie is already special by your presence,’ Darryl noted. ‘Yes…but I am only the Coming Attractions…the main show is inside,’ Sybil said and disappeared in a cloud that came down from the night sky.

‘Ladies and gentlemen and boys and girls…I have a special treat for each of you tonight…Mr. Boris Karloff will introduce The Son Of Frankenstein and answer a few of our questions,’ John the Orpheum Owner said as Boris walked out onto the stage. ‘Good evening my friends…I am most pleased to be with you for the screening of this wonderful movie,’ Boris said. He was dressed in a suit and tie and carrying a cup of tea in his hand. John brought out a stool for Boris to sit on. ‘John and I have been friends for many years…we go back to Dulwich Surrey, England…where we both were born,’ Boris continued. ‘I am traveling the midwest and am especially pleased to tell you that The Son Of Frankenstein was my favorite flick…thus far…it has a magic to it…that I believe you will find amazing and intriguing and at the conclusion of the movie I will answer your questions,’ Boris continued.

The flick…flick…flick of the film as it moved through the movie projector’s teeth…began. At the conclusion of the movie the house lights went up and there was Boris dressed in full make-up and the costume from The Son Of Frankenstein…and everyone in the audience…looked identical…

‘My God…we are all the Son Of Frankenstein…

Armageddon is a term that I have heard ever since I can remember. President Biden said recently that we are closer to Armageddon than we have been in 60 years…when the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred. Fundamentalist churches love to preach lessons from the Book Of Revelation. Denominational churches seem to shy away from it.

It is a bit of folly to predict future events certain from visions and dreams of the Apostle John. President Biden spoke of a ‘small nuclear war’ in a television interview a night or two ago. Indeed there are enough nuclear bombs in our world that someone will try one out…sooner or later. Our nation has an unholy obsession with guns and weapons and armament. No one wins in war and certainly not in a nuclear war.

The January 6 Hearings have taught me that many people intended to kill members of Congress during the January 6th Insurrection. The Vice President was targeted and the police were battered. Those people have not gone anywhere and have not changed their propensity for violence.

A chasm as large as the Grand Canyon separates many of us, humans, from the government that we swear we love unto death. Our species is tribal. We defend our tribe in the face of glaring wrong that they have done. We call wrong…right…and gaslight the person that points it out…often lying to their face.

We people of faith are not satisfied with praying to an unseen God…we like our god to be flesh and bone and blood…or at least a golden calf. We have grievances…or a Frank Costanza told his guest that was gathered around his ‘Festivus Table’…which was a holiday that he had invented and that only his family celebrated…’I have some problems with you people and this celebration is not over until I tell you about them…’

Lonely we are…but we lock out most of our fellow human family…because they do not meet our well-defined list of expectations.

Revelations say that ‘The blood will run to the horse’s bridle’ during Armageddon. We think…’What Me Worry’ I drive an SUV…

A father pushed his infant son in a baby carriage down the sidewalk. The baby was crying. A passerby noticed that the baby was crying loudly. The father kept saying, ‘Settle down Ferdinand.’ When the passerby came close to the father and crying baby…he said that Ferdinand was a beautiful baby and that he seemed a bit upset. The father replied, ‘I am Ferdinand.’

Fall causes me to ‘Settle down Ferdinand’ and enjoy God’s gifts. The rollercoaster of day-to-day tasks and trivia can be overwhelming. ‘Consider the lilies of the field, how they toil not, neither do they spin. Any yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.’

When you have a good idea…a moment of inspiration…and you feel that you are Sisyphus with his rock…turn the corner and share your idea with a fellow human who cares about what you are saying. Friendships and alliances are not formed in a vice.

Keep your accounts on your thumbnail and owe no man. As the hyper-excited young man told me one day on the sidewalk outside Downs Furniture Store, ‘Moderation Is The Key,’ in a loud and bombastic manner.

Leave whom you meet feeling better about themselves.

Love the unlovable.

See everything through the eyes of a child…

‘So…how are you today Old Chap,’ my daily companion asked. ‘So far so good…for a Medicare Birthday Boy,’ I answered. ‘I have been enjoying your recent photos…especially the ones of the little towns of Southern Illinois…or as you often refer to it…Little Egypt,’ G.A. said. ‘I also have been relishing your recent purchase of a Subaru…I like its higher profile and the leather seats are comfortable on my sore back,’ G.A. continued. ‘I did not realize that you guys got sore backs,’ I said. ‘My back has hurt ever since Joshua fought the battle of Jericho and the walls came tumbling down…I was on top of one of the walls,’ G. A. responded. ‘You mention your Medicare Birthday…I wish you could have met Methuselah…he harped about how old he was…for hundreds of years…he was a vegetarian you know…he did not like burnt offerings and refused to participate in them.’ ‘Met told I. A. that he was not going to burn any animals…and that if he wanted them barbecued…he could do it himself,’ G. A. continued. ‘What did I. A. say about that,’ I asked. ‘He said…well…okay,’ G. A. responded.

‘Are you with me all the time…you know…24/7, I asked G. A. ‘Oh I take a holiday every now and again…but I did go to Maine with you and the Fam…great trip…I like lighthouses,’ G. A. said with a wide grin. ‘What would you tell us, humans, if you had a minute to do so,’ I asked. ‘Don’t take yourself too seriously…things are not as they appear…each of you is going to be saucered eyed with surprise when you see what awaits you,’ G. A. laughed.

‘I am always with you when you are driving…you need the safety features of the Subaru…as MJ told you when you bought them,’ G. A. grinned. ‘I think that you should begin going to the movies again…I like movies…and Theatre Popcorn…but the Coming Attractions are a bit long,’ G. A. reflected.

‘What of Church…will it always be a part of serving I. A.,’ I asked. ‘You may not always refer to your Faith Community as Church…but people will always gather together…that is how I. A. made us…as you folks are fond of saying…’No man is an island,’ G. A. chuckled.

‘You seem relaxed and carefree,’ I observed. ‘Well the Plan is so much larger than any of us…and time is an illusion that we angels are not caught up in…and I. A. literally loves everyone,’ G. A. said with a satisfied look in his eyes. ‘Look at nature…it never really dies…it is timeless,’ G. A. said as he put his hand on my shoulder.

‘It will all turn out fine…Kiddo,’ a familiar voice intoned. ‘That sounded very much like Neva J.,’ I said with a glimmer in my eyes. ‘Yes…Neva J. insists on accompanying me every time I am by your side,’ G. A. laughed.

‘What would you tell my blog readers,’ I asked G. A. ‘Be yourself…that is how I. A. made us and love each other and accept each other…when one of you suffers…we all suffer…when one of you rejoices…we all rejoice…you know…all the angels in heaven…kind of thing,’ G. A. said.

‘Offer your hand in friendship and help…hold your tongue…laughed often and love everyone…’

‘You know I have often thought how nice it would be to sit down with you and to see you face to face,’ I said. ‘Oh my goodness…you have seen me many times…and you would readily recognize me now…I have many times smiled at you in a crowd of people…and given you a friendly wink at difficult moments…I rode with you in the ambulance when Neva J. had been told that you probably would not live to get to the hospital in Evansville…you asked me why I was so happy and I told you because you were going to be alright…’

Billy B. began Monday the 10th of October much as any other. He appreciated the rich and varied life that he enjoyed. He wondered how so much had happened to him in just…almost…65 years. He reflected on his friend, Dale, and what a nice conversation they recently had.

October 10, 1962, was a school day in Eldorado, Illinois…Billy B.’s new home. His family, mom, and dad and Billy B., had moved from Chicago to Eldorado and all that Billy B. had known had changed. Billy B. quickly became friends with Chet as he and Chet had the same last name and in fact, were born on the same day. Neva J., Billy B.s mom, loved President Kennedy. She thought if JFK said something…you could rely on it being correct. Many of the Halloween costumes in 1962 were of JFK and his lovely wife Jackie. Billy B. already had his JFK Halloween costume that he had purchased at the Ben Franklin Dime Store…and Chet was going as Daniel Boone. The house that Billy B. lived in looked as if it was tailor-made for Halloween. It was a large Victorian gothic-type structure that sat just across from the Eldorado High School. When they first moved from Chicago they had to share the house with Billy B.’s aunt Wanda and her family of Billy G. and Brenda and uncle Bill. Billy B. was relegated to the utility room to sleep and the room was so narrow that when he opened the door he had to climb onto his half bed and turn out the light. The old house creaked and groaned throughout the night and Billy B. knew that he had seen a ghost.

‘We will have our Halloween party at my house, Billy B. said to Chet and Jane, and Darryl. ‘We already have the ghosts that are necessary and Neva J. found a dead rat in our bathtub,’ Billy B. continued. ‘It is not still there…is it,’ Jane asked with a notable grimace. ‘No…dad put out several rat traps,’ Billy B. assured Jane. ‘You know they say that the High School is haunted,’ Chet mentioned. ‘Yes…custodian Watson worked his entire career at EHS and many have seen him roaming the halls both night and day…the students loved him and he was a friend and counselor to many of them through the years,’ Darryl added. ‘I wonder if we could slip in one of the High School doors that never fully lock and see if we can find Watson’s ghost,’ Neva J. asked. Yes…Neva J. was a kid at heart! She had a spirit of adventure that rivaled any youth…and she enjoyed a nice glass of red wine.

It was a frosty night for October the 10th…and a good night to go exploring for ghosts. The side door to EHS opened with just a little jerk. The hallway lights were on as well as several of the classrooms. ‘Come in and grab a mop and a dust cloth,’ said Custodian Watson. ‘Well for goodness sake…you are real,’ Neva J. exclaimed! ‘Why yes Neva J. I am,’ Custodian Watson answered. ‘Do you work here every night,’ Chet asked. ‘I do indeed…someone has to take care of the place,’ CW answered. ‘What is it like to be a ghost,’ Darryl asked. ‘Just like being alive like you are…it is as if I changed my TV channel and now I am on channel 6 instead of channel 3…the only difference is the channel that I am on now…appears fuzzy to you guys…most of the time,’ CW said with a knowing grin. ‘You mean that death is nothing to fear,’ Jane asked. ‘That is correct…Jane…it is simply the changing of a channel,’ CW replied.

A few days after October 10, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis began. Everyone was sorely afraid of nuclear war and dying and oblivion… Neva J. and Billy B. and Chet and Jane and Darryl…were concerned…but they were not afraid…

Billy B. remembered how he was hired at Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale…44 years ago today…and hoped that he had helped some people along the way…

It is a lovely Sunday in October. Indeed you can sit and contemplate the beauty of God’s creation and wonder…as the Parking Attendant in Philidelphia asked me in the 90s’ ‘What you crying about Mon.’ A snapshot of many of our lives would reveal both clear skies and smooth sailing…and unlimited visibility on our horizon. The holidays are fast approaching and our hearts are warmed by the hearth of our memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas past. Our President says that we are closer to Armageddon than we have been since the Cuban Missile Crisis…60 years ago.

Poor people pray. Our history has taught us that if God does not help us…we will remain destitute in our penury. Money and a warm and inviting home and holidays in Maine and our short history of having every earthly convenience that we both need and want…cause us to sing, ‘Everything is

going to be alright…’

Sameness is what we crave. We want our churches to be the same church we joined 40 years ago. We are happy and our lifelong friends in the pews next to us…are happy…while others wonder where is the God of the Bible…where is Jesus and his compassion and primarily…’The peace that passes all understanding.’

The peace we crave as, ‘The deer panteth for water.’ Community is vital to our happy lives. We long to have other members of our human family who care about us…and who love us.

The church is the bedrock of a hungry and needy and hurting society. There are people who are contemplating suicide as I write these words… they need a loving church. A woman is crying by the bedside of her child who is dying of cancer…and when the child awakens the woman smiles and wipes her tears from her eyes…and tells her child that God is listening to their prayers. Mom and dad have lost their jobs and are desperately searching for employment and their children are hungry…and they wish they knew of a church that they could reach out to. There is an upper-middle-class family who lives in a gated community…but they grow old…and the pleasures of life are little more than nuisances and seem to have lost their one-time excitement…as they look for something beyond this veil of tears.

There is a woman who is blind…who for the majority of her life could see…who wishes that she had a Faith Family that she could reach out to…

There is a loving Gay couple who follow the Christian path and love God…and who wonder where the Jesus of the Bible is spoken of and where they can feel at home…

There is. a loner…a person with mental illness…who has sought a place to fit in and be part of the family…and to be loved and accepted for who they are and the gifts that they bring…

We can not see the forest…for the trees…

Yesterday a building at Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale was named for my friend. Glenn Poshard is a friend to so many people of Southern Illinois and indeed all of Illinois. I first met Glenn when MJ and I saw him at a Glenn Miller Concert with our friends Faye and
Steve…sometime in the 1980s. The Concert was in Christopher, Illinois and Glenn greeted Steve by his name and told him that he did not realize Steve was a fan of Glen Miller. Years later, then Chancellor Argersinger asked me to take Glenn on a tour of Campus to meet the various directors of departments who would be reporting to him if he was chosen for the role of Vice Chancellor of Administration. Glenn was simply a delight to talk with and to hear his many stories of Little Egypt.

Throughout Glenn’s tenure at SIUC and as both the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and finally the President of the entire system he sought my advice on occasion…and I freely offered it at other times…although it was unsolicited. Glenn always had time for me. He began his career at the University in the 1960s working as a civil servant in the Physical Plant…Glenn loves working people…that was magnified by the standing-room-only crowd yesterday to see their friend receive his honor…

Glenn has a heart for the forgotten and the marginalized and for those who have no voice. He is a humble servant/leader and the only parallel I see to Glenn in Southern Illinois Univerity’s history is former University President Delyte Morris.

Those of us who know Glenn…have seen greatness clothed in humility…and the likes of him will not pass our way again…

Photos Courtesy SIU Foundation