Memory Journey
Day 17 - 24
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Glorieta, New Mexico; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Denver, Colorado
Day 17 (Monday, July 10, 2006) - 
A fairly uneventful trip north from Carlsbad ended at one of our favorite stopping places: Clines Corners. 
Then the trip west through “the pass” brought us to my childhood hometown of
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
We lived in Albuquerque from 1960 – 1968 (2nd grade through 9th grade) (see “Victory” page 56) with a few side moves to Clovis, New Mexico (part of 4th grade), Amarillo, Texas (all of 6th grade) and Olney, Texas (part of 8th grade).
The first stop was Sunset Cemetery to visit my brother, Stanley’s grave.
Stanley was still born when I was seven. (see “The Light of Christmas” page 163)
I remember vividly every detail of light and darkness as my Dad sat on the bedside late that evening to talk with me about our loss. I didn’t fully understand because I had not experienced the death of a family member and the fact that someone close had died who I never saw, or touched caused me great confusion. As my dad told me good night and hugged me, he wept. It was the first time I saw my dad cry.
Although I had been to his grave on numerous occasions, this time seemed to have more significance and was a little more difficult for me emotionally. I remembered the story and the time long ago. I thought of experiences never experienced, accomplishments and failures, never realized, lives untouched by my baby brother. I surrendered my confusion and questions to God.
We then went to Old Town. Old Town is the original Town Square and is 300 years old this year. We had a great time walking the old streets.
http://www.abqcvb.org/
~~~
Day 18 (Tuesday, July 11, 2006) -
We departed Albuquerque on I-25 which took us by another one of our favorite places: Glorieta. We attended many weeks at Glorieta throughout the years. As we drove around the grounds fond memories of Oklahoma Hall, and the cabins were shared with our daughter.
I stopped in the Bookstore and Administrative offices to leave copies of the book with bookstore manager and the Glorieta Conference Center Director. Both were in meetings.
As I was talking to the receptionist a gentleman came in to ask a question. I noticed “Pampa, TX” on his tag. I was born in Pampa and just a few days earlier, Wes and I were discussing the possibility of a SecondWind Conference in Amarillo and Pampa. This new acquaintance asked me to let him know if we decide to follow through and he will help any way he can.
On this trip there are no coincidences.
We arrived in Colorado Springs late afternoon and went to the Mall for supper and to walk. Also, Bekah was having mall withdrawals.
We lived in Security, Colorado all of my 10th grade year and half of my 11th grade year. We returned the day after I graduated from High School. (see “I Walked Away From My Friend” page 48; “The Ski Lesson” page 132; and “Small Decisions” page 154)
~~~
Day 19 & 20
(Wednesday, July 12, 2006 & Thursday, July 13, 2006) -
Wednesday morning we met a great, fun family from Temple, Texas. Each morning (during breakfast), as we shared experiences and plans for the day, we immediately felt our kinship in the Lord.
We exchanged books!
Katherine Bell wrote a book, Jonathan’s Journey, based on this family. (available through Amazon.com)
Rick and Mary: Great meeting you and your wonderful family!
We have new prayer partners!
Both days were spent mostly sight seeing and shopping. We came back to the hotel before sunset on Wednesday. While Kenett and Bekah swam. I sat on the deck writing and watching the sun go down behind Pikes Peak.
~~~
Day 21 (Friday, July 14, 2006) -
The trip is winding down.
As we drove into the mountains Northwest of Colorado Springs, we came across miles of the remains of a forest fire. It was pretty disturbing.
The day ended with a tradition:
The Flying W Ranch!
My first visit to The Flying W Ranch was 28 years ago when I took the youth group from Seymour, Texas on the Mission Trip to Andy Hornbaker’s Church in the Denver Area.
Michael was only a few months old at the time. Leaving Kenett and Him for a two week mission trip was very difficult. The mission trip itself was a great experience and the subject of much discussion a few weeks ago in Seymour.
Over the past 28 years, every time we are in Colorado Spring, we go to the Flying W Ranch.
http://www.flyingw.com/
All but one of the Flying W Wranglers was new to the Western Band. I was very pleased with their performance and proud that they are carrying on such a rich tradition. We welcomed them into our lives by giving them a copy of the book and our thanks.
We did however miss the familiar faces and voices. Three former members have created a new singing group called the Colorado Wranglers.
http://www.coloradowranglers.com/
Although the Flying W has a rich tradition of being unapologetically a Christian tourist attraction, starting the meal with prayer “In Jesus Name” and including at least one gospel song, these three wanted to be more active in ministry and will have a stronger emphasis on ministry in their music. I applaud them and we will pray for them in this new endeavor.
~~~
Day 22, 23, 24
(Saturday, July 15, 2006 - Monday, July 17, 2006) –
We went to Denver on Saturday to visit Wayne, Sandy, Kyle and Kent.
Last year we were at the same table as this Family at the Flying W Ranch. (See Day 21 entry)
So you are thinking, “Oh, they met this family.”
No, we didn’t, didn’t even talk to them.
A phone number was exchanged between their son and my daughter.
A long story shortened.
They have developed a phone and IM friendship.
We had a delightful time with this family and attended their church on Sunday morning.
After church we made our way east to Kansas City, then Monday back to Springfield, where we collapsed and just recently gained some consciousness.
It was indeed a memorable Memory Journey!