Dreams Outback: A Book About Life and Death and the American Dream of Freedom

By Darrell Norrod

Dreams Outback

A

Book

About life and death and the

American Dream of Freedom

Dreams Outback's innocent book cover holds the explosive story of an American family and their sacrifices made for their country.

Dreams Outback is a unique blend of fiction sprinkled throughout the pages with religion, politics, and war that takes the reader, no matter what age or sex, on a roller coaster ride of emotions. And the front row seat next to the reader is occupied with God and country. And the remaining seats are occupied when your innermost emotions of love and tears surface and spill over into the empty seats with your own thoughts of mystery and unanswered questions.

After a slow start, your front row seat will open your eyes to your forgotten youth and you will participate as a willing character in the book. And with God and country sitting beside you, your newfound emotions will stir and unlock the action that will chase you down the steel tracks. Dreams Outback has a very powerful message for the American People and will put a smile on your face, tears in your eyes, and will make you proud to be an American as two young children start the search against all odds for the American Dream.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 28, 2008
• ISBN: 9780595608133

Darrell Norrod

Darrell Norrod is a person who is filled with passion and love for his family, God, and country. Darrell speaks to everyone he meets, but talks down to none. Darrell has always stood-up for what is right. Darrell married his childhood sweetheart Donna. They have three children and eight grandchildren.

Book preview

Copyright © 2008 by Darrell Norrod

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-0-595-48717-2 (pbk)

ISBN: 978-0-595-49516-0 (cloth)

ISBN: 978-0-595-60813-3 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

iuniverse Rev. 10/17/08

Dedication

The book Dreams Outback is dedicated to the American Soldiers who have served our nation in the past, the American Soldiers who serve our nation today, and the American Soldiers who will serve our great nation tomorrow, and the unborn American Soldiers who will serve and give their lives for the American Dream of Freedom.

Contents

Foreword

One Thought in the Author’s Mind

Introduction

The Mystery Questions

Dreams

Why I Wrote The Book Dreams Outback

Dreams Outback Poem

About the Author

Acknowledgments

The book Dreams Outback would have never been put into print without the help of my wife Donna Norrod.

Thank you Pretty-Girl … I love you

Foreword

In 2005 when Darrell first told me that he was called by God to write a book, I never dreamed it would become a book so full of his innermost being!

How could God call Darrell to write a book without having the knowledge of how to write a book or any literary skills?

Here is a man born of an Appalachian family whose English was considered briar language. Darrell said certain words in a way of his own, never spoken in the English language known to the common man. I thought this language of his own was because of his upbringing, being a descendant of Tennessee, but lo and behold, it turned out that he pronounced and spelled certain words the way he heard them. Little did I know that Darrell was unable to hear certain phonics when it came to pronouncing or spelling a word? After being married to Darrell for forty years, I was clueless of this fact until I got involved in helping him type his manuscript.

But that didn’t matter to God. And with Darrell’s determination to write the book, Dreams Outback, he accomplished his task with God’s help by overcoming each obstacle set in his way by the devil himself.

As I began to type Darrell’s manuscript, I thought to myself, ‘Where is all this coming from?’ Then, I realized these profound words and feelings were coming from deep within Darrell’s heart! Darrell’s ability to put into words what was breathing inside of his heart, mind, and soul was astonishing! Darrell’s pen flowed like a waterfall rushing to a gorge. As I became involved in Darrell’s book as I typed, I marveled at what I was reading.

Well, back to my point about how could God call Darrell to write a book? What I have learned through the years that I have walked with God is that, when God calls you to do something, anything, he will provide the resources needed to complete His Will. Darrell wrote this book, Dreams Outback, with the skills and the ability of a professional book writer. The story of Dreams Outback is written with such powerful and moving dialogue between the characters, that it makes you feel like you are part of the story. A story written with such passion, Dreams Outback will bring you to laughter, bring back old memories long forgotten, and move you to the edge of your seat with excitement. Darrell shares his innermost feelings in such a way as having your own heart touched by God, and bringing you to tears, tears of joy and sadness. How eloquently, and how profound is Darrell’s writing! Dreams Outback is truly a work of artistic expression!

God had a message, and this message had to be told. Darrell knew this from the bottom of his heart and he set out to accomplish the task of getting this message from God out to the world. Dreams Outback will be the power of God unleashed upon our world, upon our fellow man, and upon all those who will listen to the message being told. Dreams Outback will speak to your heart about the injustices of today’s worldviews. Dreams Outback will stir your soul to right the wrongs. Dreams Outback will move each of us to give honor to those deserving. Dreams Outback will help each of us to do our part to make this a better world for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their children.

Little is much when God is in it! God didn’t look at Darrell’s inability to write or his lack of literary skills. God looked on the inside of Darrell’s heart, soul, mind, and being. A perfect instrument to accomplish what God had planned for this book! Darrell was a humble man who was willing to obey God regardless of his human frailties or the lack of his literary skills.

So hopefully, now, you know how Darrell wrote this book, Dreams Outback. I stand in awe and amazement at Darrell’s writing ability and all that he accomplished through his writing of Dreams Outback. Darrell’s writing moved me to tears, filled me with joy, and brought so much laughter I never knew was within me. Darrell’s book, Dreams Outback, spoke to me and opened my eyes to the truths revealed within its pages and I know Dreams Outback will do the same for you.

Donna Norrod

One Thought in the Author’s Mind

We humans think we are so smart, but it takes us one full year of our life to learn to walk and say, momma, or daddy. We think we are so smart, but it takes three years to be potty trained and speak a few complete sentences. It takes four years to learn our ABC’s and five years of our life to learn how to print them on paper. But, one thing is for sure. We become know-it-alls and learn the most popular phrase of all I Know before we reach the age of six.

But like a one-year-old child learning to walk, we adults think of walking the way we learned and only walk forward through life, because we have never learned to walk backwards. It’s a strange feeling to walk backwards and not being able to see where you’re going. The human mind works the same way and gets the same strange feeling when it walks backwards into our forgotten past.

While we walk forward through life, we only look back at our individual past every now and then. And when we do look back, we always do it with a quick glimpse over our shoulder. We never put our past in the right chronological order from beginning to end, because we are always too busy walking forward in life.

Think about it! Can you sit down, and remember your forgotten memories from the past and keep everything in chronological order? I don’t think so! The human mind will never learn to walk backwards by itself and keep things in the proper order. Our busy minds need the help from family, friends, photographs, and memorabilia, because our eyes are always focused forward into the future.

The book, Dreams Outback, will make you become a child again, so you can walk forward into life, and put your past in the proper order. As you become a child again, you will live parts of your forgotten past through the characters in the book.

It does not matter what your age is, because everyone has a forgotten past and by reading the book, Dreams Outback, you will be able to laugh and cry the same way as you did when you were a small child.

Remember, your life as a newborn child started out as a mystery.

Do you understand?

Introduction

Dreams Outback

A

Book

About life and death and the

American Dream of Freedom

Warning, for adult readers: If you read this book, you will become a child again and the youth from your forgotten past will flow through your veins as it did when you first sung the National Anthem.

Dreams Outback’s innocent book cover holds the explosive story of one American family and their sacrifices made for their country. Dreams Outback was written with small words so a child could read and understand, but the right words were chosen for making the old and decrepit minds young.

The book, Dreams Outback, is a unique blend of fiction sprinkled throughout the pages with religion, politics, and war that takes the reader, no matter what age or sex, on a roller coaster ride of emotions. And the front row seat next to the reader is occupied with God and country. And the remaining seats on the roller coaster are occupied when your innermost emotions of love and tears surface and spill over into the empty seats with your own thoughts of mystery and unanswered questions.

After a slow start on the roller coaster, your front row seat will open your eyes to your forgotten youth and you will participate as a willing character in the book. And with God and country sitting beside you, your newfound emotions will stir and unlock the action that will chase you down the steel tracks. I can only tell you one thing. Dreams Outback has a very powerful message for the American People and will put a smile on your face, tears in your eyes, and will make you proud to be an American.

The author of Dreams Outback takes the credit and responsibility for making the old bodies and decaying minds young. So with that guarantee in mind, get comfortable in your front row seat on your emotional roller coaster ride as this unique and unprecedented one of a kind novel unravels, and picks up speed as two young children start the search against all odds for the American Dream.

Do you understand?

The Mystery Questions

Dreams Outback begins as a mystery in the baby crib in one boy’s life as he starts the quest for the American Dream. As you read Dreams Outback, try to find the answers to these questions.

Who is the Kid with the memories?

Who is Joe?

Why does the Kid drink?

Will Granddaddy ever come back?

Who is the Little Girl?

Who is the unknown hero?

Where does the Little Girl live?

Who is the good-looking man in the dark suit?

Why aren’t the Pastor’s questions answered?

What happens at the end of the book?

What did you remember?

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Dreams Outback

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Kid, can you hear me?

Huh … ?

I said, ‘Can you hear me?’

I’m sorry! My head hurts so bad, I didn’t hear you the first time. I need a drink really bad!

Not a problem Kid, one drink coming up.

Thanks for the drink. It seems to help with the pain. God, my head hurts, so bad!

Kid, how long have you been here?

I don’t know. I can’t remember. Could I please have another drink? You can’t believe how bad my head hurts!

Sure thing Kid, here’s a drink to help with the pain. What’s your name Kid?

My name … My name … ? My head hurts so bad, I can’t even remember my name!

Kid, try to remember while I’m getting you that drink.

OK, but please hurry, my head is killing me.

Kid, here’s your drink.

Thank you, you’re an angel.

No angel Kid! But most guys I meet in your condition just call me, Joe.

OK, Joe.

Kid, did you come here alone?

I don’t know, I can’t remember! Could I please have another drink? God, please help me with the pain!

I’m getting it now Kid, hold on.

Thanks Joe. I believe that’s the best drink I ever had! It really does help with the pain.

That’s good Kid, now try to remember one little thing. Just try to remember your name.

"OK Joe, I’ll try …

I remember when I was a little boy, my momma cut out pictures of rainbows and unicorns, puppy dogs and kitty cats, and hung them over my baby bed on a string, and I would fall asleep with them watching over me.

Kid, that was good. Now try to remember more.

"OK Joe, I’ll try …

"I remember my momma holding me close to her breast, and singing a soft lullaby, as she rocked me to sleep in an old rocking chair that once belonged to her mother.

"I remember my daddy carrying me to church on Sunday mornings and introducing me to the people in the congregation. Daddy took me to our neighbors, to his work, to our relatives, and to every friend that he had. Daddy was proud of me. I was his only son.

"I remember my daddy, he was a big man, and he would always carry me on his back. Daddy sometimes would toss me into the air and catch me before I would fall.

"I remember crawling through the house and I would often skin my knees and cry. But Momma would always pick me up, hold me tight, kiss me, and tell me I was her little man, and the pain would always go away. God, I wish Momma could kiss me now.

"I remember learning to walk with Daddy on one side holding my hand and Momma on the other side. And I remember Momma and Daddy only being one-step away when they held out their arms and encouraged me to take my first step into life. But, my first step into life was not that easy, because I would usually fall down and cry. And every time I fell down, Momma or Daddy would pick me up, hold me, kiss me, and tell me everything would be all right. God, I wish Momma or Daddy could pick me up tonight and tell me that everything would be all right!

Joe. Could I have another drink?

OK Kid, here’s your drink.

Thanks Joe. That last drink did help with the pain.

That’s good Kid, now try to remember more.

"OK Joe, I’ll try …

"I remember when I was a little boy; I could hear the sound of an old pickup truck coming down our lane. As soon as I heard that sound, I knew it was my daddy, and he was coming home from work. It didn’t matter where I was at or what I was doing, because when I heard that sound, I would always stop, and run as fast as I could to meet Daddy. My daddy worked for the local sawmill and would get out of the old pickup truck looking tired, and covered with sawdust. But, it didn’t matter how tired Daddy was, because he would always take time to give me a kiss, and a hug, and carry me into the house on his back.

"While Momma was cooking supper for the three of us, Daddy and I would wash and bathe. After the hot food was on the kitchen table, Momma, Daddy and I would always say a prayer before each meal. We always prayed for our food, for Grandma, and that someday Granddaddy would come back home. While we were eating our supper, I would listen to Momma and Daddy talk about their day. After supper, and the talking, Daddy would help Momma wash the supper dishes, and I would go play. Then at bedtime, I would kiss Daddy goodnight, and run into my bedroom so Momma could tuck me in. After a goodnight kiss, Momma would read a story from her Bible. And while Momma was reading, I would fall asleep looking up at the cardboard cutouts of rainbows and unicorns, puppy dogs and kitty cats hanging on a string.

"I remember riding in Daddy’s old pickup truck to a little white church every Sunday morning. Grandma and Momma would always sing in the choir and Daddy and I would sing along. After the choir sang a few hymns, the Pastor would come forward with a prayer for the sick and for the ones that could not attend. When the Pastor finished his prayer, the organist would press her foot up and down on the pedals, and play a giving hymn, while the offering plate would be passed from pew to pew. Daddy would always let me drop our offering into the plate. After the offering, the choir would sing again before the Pastor delivered his Sunday morning sermon about heaven and hell. The Pastor would usually tell a story with his sermon and tell everyone at the little white church how good would always oppose evil. I would always listen even as a little boy, and sometimes, I would become scared, because I didn’t think the good people in the sermon could win.

"One Sunday after church when dinner and the dishes were done, Daddy took me outback and set me on the tailgate of his old pickup truck. While I watched from the tailgate, I swung my feet back and forth, and wondered what Daddy was doing? I watched as Daddy threw a piece of rope over a big tree limb on the old oak tree outback. After one end of the rope fell over the tree limb, Daddy tied a loose knot in one end of the rope, and put the other end of the rope through the hole in the knot. Then Daddy pulled on the rope until the knot was tight on the big tree limb of the old oak tree.

"After Daddy had pulled the knot tight, he went into the shed leaving me and the rope both dangling. I was still sitting on the tailgate and wondering what Daddy was doing with the rope when he appeared from the shed rolling an old car tire. But, I still couldn’t figure out what Daddy was doing. After I watched Daddy roll the old car tire to the dangling rope, he picked up the tire, and tied the end of the dangling rope to the old car tire. Then Daddy signaled for me to come there. After I jumped off the tailgate, Daddy lifted me up, set me on the old car tire, and told me to hold tight. Now, with my legs hanging over the old car tire, I grabbed the rope with both hands and held tight. As soon as I had the death grip, Daddy said, ‘Son, whatever happens, don’t let go! Do you understand?’ After I answered with a small ‘Yes,’ Daddy gave me a big push and I went swinging through the air like an astronaut. As soon as I became airborne, I started laughing, and so did Daddy.

"When Momma heard the sounds of laughter, she came running out of the house, and became a child again just like Daddy and me. Momma would stand out in front while Daddy pushed me from behind. Momma would grab at my feet and laugh as I swung by. The new ride in my life seemed to last forever and I didn’t want it to end. But soon, it was time to eat supper and get ready for bed. As soon as Daddy said, ‘Get ready for bed,’ I began begging for just one more ride. As I begged, Daddy said, ‘Son, you can ride again tomorrow if you are a good boy.’ I remember looking back at the old car tire as Daddy carried me into the house and wishing it was tomorrow.

"After supper, Momma and Daddy did the dishes while I took my bath and dressed for bed. When I was dressed, I kissed Daddy goodnight and went into my bedroom so Momma could tuck me in. After Momma and I said a prayer, Momma gave me a goodnight kiss and tucked me into bed with my favorite blanket. And while I was lying in my warm bed, Momma read a story from her Bible about a little boy who one day would be a king. Then, as Momma’s soft voice faded away, I fell asleep with dreams of a little boy who was riding through the sky on a rainbow colored unicorn. But, the next morning when I awoke, the little boy and his rainbow colored unicorn were gone, and so was Daddy.

Joe? Are you there?

Yes Kid, I’m still here.

Joe, this place is so dark I can hardly see your face. Joe, the pain is back! Could I please have another drink? God, I hurt, so bad! Please Joe?

Kid, don’t worry about the drinks. I’m buying all night. Here’s your drink now.

Thanks Joe. I wouldn’t ask, but you know it helps me with the pain.

I know Kid. Now try to remember. Just try to remember your name.

"OK Joe, I’ll try …

"I remember the day Daddy came home from work and the old pickup truck was loaded down with wood. And that very same day, Daddy and I started building something outback. After we worked with the wood for a while, I asked, ‘Daddy, what are we building?’ Daddy answered, ‘Just you wait and see.’ For weeks, Daddy and I worked on the project every time we got the chance. Momma would help too. She would bring a pitcher of ice water to drink, and sometimes Momma would bring a meal of sandwiches, potato chips, and cookies to eat on the tailgate of Daddy’s old pickup truck. As I ate my meal, I would sit and try to figure out what Daddy and I were going to build with all the pieces of wood that we had measured and cut. I had my own hammer, my own bag of nails, a sharp pencil, a new measuring tape, and they all looked like Daddy’s tools.

"Sometimes, Momma would take a sharp needle and get the splinters out of my fingers. I would bite my lip and try not to cry. Momma took care with that needle, but sometimes, I cried. Momma would always tell me with a kiss that my pain would soon be gone. God, I wish Momma could kiss me tonight!

"After several days, Daddy and I had measured and cut all the boards to length. Then, Daddy held one of the measured boards to the old oak tree and said, ‘Son, drive in the nails.’ After pecking at the nails for a while, I asked Daddy for about the one-hundredth time, ‘Daddy, what are we building?’ Then finally, Daddy spoke his secret. ‘Son, you and I are building a tree house.’ As soon as I heard ‘Tree house,’ I began running circles around the old oak tree outback and screaming, ‘Thank you, thank you, I love you Daddy!’ While I was running, Daddy said, ‘Son, hold your horses! Slow down! The job’s not finished yet! And more hard work lay ahead, and you can never quit a job until it is finished.’ Then Daddy looked into my eyes again and said, ‘Son, do you understand?’ As soon as I caught my breath, I answered with a panting, ‘Yes Sir.’ Then Daddy patted me on the head and said, ‘Son, let’s get back to work.’

"After a few minutes of hard work, I asked, ‘Daddy, why do we have so much wood?’ Daddy said, ‘Son, this tree house will be big enough for you and a friend.’ Then I asked, ‘Daddy, why are the steps so far apart?’ That’s when Daddy started explaining about life. Daddy said, ‘Son, you are growing bigger everyday, and when building something you want to use when you are older, you must think ahead, and of the future.’ Then Daddy looked into my eyes and said, ‘Now, do you understand?’ After I shook my head with a knowledgeable ‘Yes Sir,’ Daddy and I began the work on the last of the steps. As soon as I hammered the last nail into the steps, we started nailing the boards for the floor. Daddy planned everything perfect. The boards were cut to length and they fell right into place. After the floor was done, it was time for Momma to bring us our meal.

"When the meal ended, Daddy and I started working on the walls. You don’t know how happy it made me when Daddy said, ‘Son, my plans include one square hole in each wall, that way, you can look out, and see the world.’ Boy was my daddy smart! After the walls were finished, I watched from the tailgate of the old pickup truck, while Daddy worked on the roof. But as I watched, I couldn’t figure out why there was a big hole in the middle of the roof. Then finally, I realized, Daddy had made part of the roof on hinges, so the roof would open to let the sunshine in and close on a rainy day. I also realized, I could open the roof on a clear night, and see the stars, and the man in the moon. Now, the tree house was finished! And it was just as Daddy said, ‘This tree house will be big enough for you and a friend.’ Now, it seemed I had everything in life a boy could ever want, a pretty Momma, a strong Daddy, a nice Grandma, a little white church, the old car tire swing, a tree house, good food, a warm bed, and a home filled with love.

Joe? Are you there?

Yes Kid, I’m still here.

Joe, did you play in a tree house when you were a kid?

Yes Kid, I had one in the backyard, and believe it or not, I had one of those old car tire swings too.

Joe. Could I please have another drink? You know it helps me with the pain. Please!

Sure Kid, one drink to help with the pain.

Thanks Joe. A good drink always helps with the pain.

That’s good Kid. Now try to remember. Just try to remember your name.

"OK Joe, I’ll try …

"I can remember my first day of school, waiting at the bus stop with a notebook, and a pencil in my hand. After a few minutes of waiting, the school bus came down our lane, and stopped by the old oak tree. After the bus came to a stop, all the kids stood up, and began looking out of the windows at my tree house. As soon as the bus driver shouted at the kids, ‘Sit down!’ He opened the doors, and I climbed up the three big steps. The bus driver said, ‘Take a seat young man.’ So, I looked down the aisle, but all the seats were full except for one. And in it, was a Little Girl sitting all by herself. As I moved closer to the open seat, I looked into the Little Girl’s eyes, and it was like, Magic! Because, I knew, I had found my long lost friend. After the Little Girl shared her Magic Look, she moved closer to the window, and I knew it was a signal to sit down. As I looked into the Little Girl’s Magic Eyes, she spoke, ‘You have the best tree house in the whole world! I bet you have lots of fun playing in that tree house.’ After I told the Little Girl who built the tree house, I asked, ‘Where do you live?’ Then the Little Girl pointed her right index finger at the old oak tree and said, ‘I can see the top of that big tree from where I live.’ I couldn’t believe it! The Little Girl lived through the woods outback of my house. Then the Little Girl and I talked until the bus arrived at our new school. The Little Girl and I were the same age, and we were both in the first grade.

"I can remember my first grade teacher; she was a silver haired lady with a warm smile. And the first thing she did was tap on her desk with a ruler and say, ‘May I have your attention please?’ As soon as the ruler got our attention, the teacher introduced herself to the class, and assigned each student a seat.

"I was lucky! The teacher assigned me a seat next to the Little Girl that I had just met on the school bus. After the seats were assigned, the teacher explained the school rules. ‘No talking, no whispering, no gum, no candy, no notes, no copying, no running in the halls, and for all students to be in their seats when the bell rings.’ And besides all that, the teacher said, ‘If you wish to speak, you must raise your hand, and you will answer me with a, Yes Ma’am. And if you break these rules, you will be punished.’ Then the silver haired schoolteacher looked into our eyes and said, ‘Do you understand?’ After the class answered ‘Yes Ma’am,’ the silver haired schoolteacher told the class to stand up, and to put our right hand over our heart. As the class stood to their feet, the teacher faced the American Flag and said, ‘I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag, of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.’ After the teacher spoke the last word of the pledge, she took her hand from her heart, and told the class that we would start each day of school by reciting, The Pledge of Allegiance. Then the teacher told the class to sit down, and print our ABC’s, and stay between the lines.

"After several broken pencil leads, I was saved by the bell, and it was time to eat lunch. My school lunch was packed in a brown paper bag with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a bottle of milk. After lunch, we had recess, and the kids played games, like hopscotch, and tag. I played on the sliding board and swings, and chased the Little Girl who lived outback. But the fun ended, when a loud bell rang and made the kids go back to class. After recess, the teacher taught us that 2 + 2 = 4. But my math didn’t add up. So, I spoke to the Little Girl and broke the rules. And just as the teacher said, I was punished. And guess what? I didn’t like standing with my nose in the corner! But, after a few minutes of nose cornering, I was saved by the bell again when the final bell rang to go home.

"On the bus ride home from school, I sat with the Little Girl who lived outback, and we talked about our first day of school. After the bus came to a stop, the Little Girl gathered her things, and told me she would see me tomorrow. I remember watching the Little Girl’s long curly hair bounce as she stepped off the school bus. When the bus started to leave, I looked up through the woods, and it was just as the Little Girl said, you could see the top of the old oak tree that stood outback.

"As soon as I got off the school bus, I ran in the house to tell Momma about my first day of school, and of the Little Girl who lived outback. But Momma said, ‘Son, I’m cooking supper, and we’ll talk about your first day of school when your daddy gets home from work.’ Then I went outside to sit on the old car tire swing and wait for Daddy. It was just like before. I heard the sound of Daddy’s old pickup truck coming down the lane. The old pickup truck came to a stop. Daddy got out, gave me a kiss and a hug, and carried me into the house on his back. After we washed up, Daddy and I sat down to supper with Momma. Then we said a prayer for our food, for Grandma, and for Granddaddy to come home. While we were eating supper, I started telling the story of my first day of school, and of the Little Girl that I met who could see the top of the old oak tree from where she lived. Then after a quick drink of milk, I told about the silver haired schoolteacher, and learning The Pledge of Allegiance, and how I broke the rules, and was punished with my nose in the corner. After hearing my story, Daddy said, ‘Son, you did have a full day of learning.’ Then we all laughed.

"After supper that evening, I went outback to play in the tree house. And just before dark, I looked through the woods and I could see the lights from where the Little Girl lived. After I climbed down from the tree house, I went into the house, and took a bath. Then I kissed Daddy goodnight and went into my bedroom for Momma to tuck me in. And that night Momma read a story from her Bible about a man, a woman, and a tree with forbidden fruit. And while Momma was reading, I fell asleep with my new dreams of school, and chasing the Little Girl who lived outback.

Joe. Do you remember your first grade schoolteacher?

Yes Kid, I do. I thought my first grade teacher was a special lady.

Joe. Did she teach you The Pledge of Allegiance?

Yes Kid, she sure did.

Joe. I really need a drink. My head hurts so bad, I can hardly stand it! Can I have another drink? Please Joe?

Kid, don’t worry, all you have to do is ask.

Thanks Joe. Just the touch of that drink to my lips helps me with the pain.

That’s good Kid. Now try to remember your name. Just try to remember.

"OK Joe, I’ll try …

"I remember Daddy taking me fishing on Saturdays down at the creek. Daddy would tell me stories about his life, and of his childhood, and the good old days, and how Granddaddy fished from the very same rock. When Daddy would speak of Granddaddy, there would always be a tear in his eye. Daddy said, ‘I was just a little boy when your granddaddy left and never came home. It broke your grandma’s heart and left me fatherless. But, we still pray that he will come back someday.’ Then Daddy told me the story of how he and Momma met and fell in love on an old dirt road out in front of Grandma’s house. While I was putting a worm on my hook, I