Friends and "those who know me" are aware that, one month ago, Sherrie and I suffered a personal tragedy... Fred, our little mixed-breed dog, was killed in a farm accident. He was like a child to us, and I still can't talk about him without becoming tearful. It's embarrassing, as I know he was only a dog... but he was our child. We have been profoundly affected, as I considered retiring from my job and literally dropping out. I am slowly recovering, however, so I will continue writing about the politicization of our public schools...
Many people remember the sitcom Cheers and the show from 1993 in which "Woody Boyd" becomes a politician. This entire episode is very funny, but very accurate when describing Oklahoma politicians today... in my opinion.
The plot of the Cheers episode is "When City Councilman Kevin Fogarty comes to Cheers on his re-election campaign spouting political rhetoric that nonetheless impresses the crowd, Frazier bets the gang that he can get a trained monkey on the ballot and get 10% of the vote. With several trained monkeys in sight (Norm, Cliff, Sammy, and Woody), Frazier chooses the highest IQ - Woody...
One scene starts between Carla and Norm when Fogarty enters the bar:
Carla: I remember Fogarty.. He was here a couple of years ago trying to get our votes.
Norm: Oh, yeah, he bought me a beer...
Frazier: Did you vote for him?
Norm: He bought me a beer..
Fogarty: .. Something has to be done and the time is now..
Frazier: There he goes, spouting a bunch of meaningless platitudes, and sure enough the people are lapping it up like milk. Oh, the mentality of the voters in this country fascinates me. Someday I ought to do a paper about it.
Sam: What's your problem with Fogerty? He's not a bad guy.
Frazier: All right Sam, why don't you ask him a question, and I bet you ten bucks all he gives you is meaningless politician rhetoric.
Sam: Yeah, all right, you're on... Kevin Fogarty, I'm Sam Malone, the owner of this bar, a small business... What can you do to turn this economy around?
Fogarty: I say now is the time to roll up our shirtsleeves and get to the bottom of this. The only way we're gonna defeat this thing is if we all do it together.
Sam to Frazier: I think you owe me ten bucks!
Fogarty: Kevin Fogarty, City Council. I hope I have your vote on election day..
Frazier: And why exactly should I vote for you, Mr. Fogarty?
Fogarty: I'm glad you asked that. Well, because I'm a hard worker, and I take a stand.
Frazier: On what, exactly?
Fogerty: The issues of the day.
Frazier: Which are?
Fogarty: The things that concern you and your family... the most.
Sam to Frazier: I think you're making an ass out of yourself..
Frazier: I am not! I simply want the Councilman to say one concrete thing!
Fogarty: Yes, I understand. You don't trust me. A lot of people don't trust politicians. I know how it is - I've been out there.
Frazier: but what has that got to do with...
Fogarty: May I finish, please? Maybe we need someone to blame. Maybe if we pick some nameless person at city hall to be responsible for all our problems then we won't have to accept any responsibility at all. Well people, I say now is the time to start looking in the mirror! Because if this thing is going to work, we are ALL going to have to make it work.. the way a bunch of people made something work at Lexington and Concord. You may remember it, it's called AMERICA!
At this point, Fogarty gets a standing ovation with cheering and applause from the bar patrons - and exits the bar.
Frazier: But he didn't say anything! Thank you people for proving my point!
This was a very funny Boston scene in 1993, but very much true to politics everywhere. It's especially accurate for Oklahoma politicians in 2017, as many Oklahoma Senators and Representatives could be substituted for Councilman Fogarty. Many (not all) Oklahoma voters today are also similar to the bar patrons in Cheers. Just imagine your favorite Oklahoma politician's rhetoric in campaigning for state office and answering hard questions, to see if he or she fits the bill. Since I live in House District 42, I've imagined the District 42 Representative in Fogarty's role. I've heard his campaign speeches and his answers to hard questions, so it's easy to substitute Tommy Politician for Councilman Fogarty. We start the conversation between the Oklahoma voter (Sam) and Tommy Politician (Fogarty):
Okie Voter: What can you do to fix the state budget and turn this economy around?
Tommy: I say now is the time to roll up our shirt sleeves and get to the bottom of this. The only way we're gonna defeat this thing is if we all do it together.
Since Tommy was over-whelmingly re-elected last year, we can see whether or not he "rolled up his shirt sleeves", balanced the state budget, and turned the economy around. He may have rolled up his shirt sleeves and worked hard, because he said he did. Tommy wrote an article several weeks ago for several newspapers in which he told everyone how hard he worked and how exceedingly difficult the budgeting work was. I think everyone knows by now though, that he and his corporate cronies were unable to pass a legal budget... or turn the economy around.
Okie Voter: Do you support the one-cent sales tax for teacher pay raises?
Tommy: I'm not voting for the one-cent sales tax for teacher pay raises.
This is Tommy Politican's exact answer to the exact question.
Okie Voter: Do you believe teachers need a pay raise in Oklahoma?
Tommy: Yes....
Okie Voter: How are you going to provide a teacher pay ra... (Tommy interupts)
Tommy: May I finish, please? Maybe we need someone to blame. Maybe if we pick some nameless Oklahoma Legislator at the Capitol to be responsible for all our problems then we won't have to accept any responsibility at all. Well people (Oklahoma teachers), I say now is the time to start looking in the mirror! Because if teachers are going to get a pay raise, we are ALL going to have to make it work.. The way a bunch of people made something work at Lexington and Concord. You may remember it, it's called AMERICA!
At this point, Tommy gets a standing ovation with cheering and applause from the bar patrons and a few teachers while exiting the bar.
Okie Voter: But he didn't say anything! Thank you people for proving my point!
You'd really have to watch the scene on Youtube or on my facebook page to understand the similarities between Kevin Fogarty and Tommy Politician. Take a look at it, and imagine your favorite politician in Fogarty's place and you will see the resemblance is uncanny to Oklahoma politicians. Enjoy!
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Monday, June 26, 2017
Braden Lee Bush
I usually don't discuss or write about people or personal issues that have had a profound effect on my emotions, until sometime after hearing the devastating news. I usually get choked up and can't speak or my eyes become bleary and can't write.
The toughest, most stressful issue that teachers and public school officials deal with is the loss of a student or former student. In Blanchard Public Schools we have faced three of these emotional losses just this past year. Braden Lee Bush, a former student and athlete for Blanchard High School, died on June 16, while away at college. Braden suffered an asthma attack and died of heart failure. This news was a personal blow to me as well as the Blanchard Lion family, as it is the most devastating event ever to happen to a family. I can only imagine the heartbreak and sense of loss his parents must have felt as they attempt to continue. Ara (Rumpy) Bush and Tiffany Bush have given up their son to Heaven, but they will see him in the future. Braden was a true maroon and gold Blanchard Lion, graduating in 2014, where he played an integral part in the 2012 Blanchard football state championship and the Blanchard state runner-up team of 2013. I can still see Braden returning kick-offs and catching touchdown passes... in my mind.
When a school loses a student it's like losing a child to teachers and principals, but not nearly so devastating as it is to the child's parents. I do know that Rumpy and Tiffany, and Braden's sisters - Bre-Ann and Bethany, have the strength, perseverance, and courage to deal with this tragedy. They know that all their friends and the Blanchard Lion family will be praying for them, and Braden Lee Bush.
The toughest, most stressful issue that teachers and public school officials deal with is the loss of a student or former student. In Blanchard Public Schools we have faced three of these emotional losses just this past year. Braden Lee Bush, a former student and athlete for Blanchard High School, died on June 16, while away at college. Braden suffered an asthma attack and died of heart failure. This news was a personal blow to me as well as the Blanchard Lion family, as it is the most devastating event ever to happen to a family. I can only imagine the heartbreak and sense of loss his parents must have felt as they attempt to continue. Ara (Rumpy) Bush and Tiffany Bush have given up their son to Heaven, but they will see him in the future. Braden was a true maroon and gold Blanchard Lion, graduating in 2014, where he played an integral part in the 2012 Blanchard football state championship and the Blanchard state runner-up team of 2013. I can still see Braden returning kick-offs and catching touchdown passes... in my mind.
When a school loses a student it's like losing a child to teachers and principals, but not nearly so devastating as it is to the child's parents. I do know that Rumpy and Tiffany, and Braden's sisters - Bre-Ann and Bethany, have the strength, perseverance, and courage to deal with this tragedy. They know that all their friends and the Blanchard Lion family will be praying for them, and Braden Lee Bush.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Cal Hobson, Don't Hold Your Breath
In the "Your Views" section of the Purcell Register June 15, Cal Hobson comments on "The hardest session ever" opinions of Tim Downing (R) Purcell, Bob Cleveland (R) Slaughterville, and Senator Paul Scott (R) Duncan - all area legislators. In their lawmaker columns, they all three espoused how hard they worked during the session and that it was surely the "hardest session ever". Mr. Hobson thought their summation of the just completed session was quite funny (or disingenuous), as he related how easy it should have been. He said it should have been easy for the "fiscal wizards" because all they did was "pass a budget... that is nothing more than a phony, unlawful, and soon to collapse house of cards". He called their "bag of magic tricks" budget illegal and fiscally foolish. I agree with Mr. Hobson...
Cal Hobson then challenges all "three stooges" (my words) to debate the issues (illegal budget, mathematics in budgeting, choking public services, etc...) during July on Main Street in Purcell. I've got a prediction: None of the three friends will accept his challenge. They've probably all been told by their advisors - "Do not, under any circumstances, debate constituent issues with anyone, as this would expose you to ridicule."
I have experience in debate matters as I ran for the republican nomination for the district 42 House seat on June 28,2016 against Tim Downing. Mr. Downing was invited to no less than five debates and discussions concerning constituent issues leading up to the election. He was either a no-show or "had to work" all five times, so Mr. Downing will not respond to Mr. Hobson's challenge, and the other two mathematically challenged lawmakers will probably not respond. So, Cal Hobson, don't hold your breath...
Dr. Jim Beckham
PO Box 182
Lindsay, Oklahoma, 73052
Cal Hobson then challenges all "three stooges" (my words) to debate the issues (illegal budget, mathematics in budgeting, choking public services, etc...) during July on Main Street in Purcell. I've got a prediction: None of the three friends will accept his challenge. They've probably all been told by their advisors - "Do not, under any circumstances, debate constituent issues with anyone, as this would expose you to ridicule."
I have experience in debate matters as I ran for the republican nomination for the district 42 House seat on June 28,2016 against Tim Downing. Mr. Downing was invited to no less than five debates and discussions concerning constituent issues leading up to the election. He was either a no-show or "had to work" all five times, so Mr. Downing will not respond to Mr. Hobson's challenge, and the other two mathematically challenged lawmakers will probably not respond. So, Cal Hobson, don't hold your breath...
Dr. Jim Beckham
PO Box 182
Lindsay, Oklahoma, 73052
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Father's Day 2017
With Father's Day just past on June 18, I will recognize three fathers who have faced life's greatest trials and tribulations - and still been among the top dads in the world.
Ara (Rumpy) Bush, the father of Bethany, Breann, and Braden, and spouse of Tiffany Bush, volunteers his time and resources to Blanchard Public Schools on a regular basis. He is a coach, mentor, and supporter of not only his kids but many other Blanchard Lions over the years. Last Friday, Braden Bush, Rumpy's only son, passed away while at college. Braden was a Blanchard Lion in its truest sense, having played a major role in both the 2012 football state championship and the 2013 state runnerup title. He was simply dedicated to Blanchard Public Schools both athletically and socially, one of the most popular kids ever to attend. I consider Rumpy a close friend, but I have no idea how he feels now (I can only imagine). To lose a child must be the most devastating experience and non-sleeping nightmare a parent will ever go through. If I know Rumpy though, I know he believes that the separation from Braden is only temporary, and he'll see him later. I'm proud to call Rumpy a friend.
My brother, Johnny Beckham, is another father who endured the loss of his only son - 23 years ago. Austin, 12 years old at the time, was killed when his friend accidently shot him. I never saw Johnny shed a tear, although I'm sure he did as he prayed for Austin. Like Ara Bush, Johnny knows that he'll see Austin momentarily, and there will be a great reunion.
I'd also like to recognize my dad - Johnny Dale Beckham (1930-2003), with this tribute. I'm reminded of the David Gates pop song Everything I own when I think of my dad. While I realize that my father was no better or worse than many fathers, he is my hero, so feel free to envision your own father as you read about his life.
Johnny Beckham was born in September, 1930, not in a hospital - but on a "cotton sack" out in a cotton patch. His mother, Ollie Teola (Presley) Beckham, was picking cotton as she went into labor, and couldn't get to a doctor or hospital. (Ollie was a second cousin to Elvis Presley, but I'll say more about this later.) Johnny's father, Virgil Beckham, was killed in a farm accident in November of 1933, so Johnny, being only three years old, only had one vague memory of his dad - a vision of him as he came around the corner of their shotgun house. After the death of Virgil, Ollie moved to Marlow, Oklahoma - taking Johnny and five siblings to live closer to her parents - Tom and Marvelia Presley. Tom, Johnny's grandfather, was a figure right out of the old west, as he wore a six-gun at his side and always rode a black horse. As a matter of fact, Tom, riding his black mare, is in a photograph of the start of an Oklahoma Land Run in 1892. The photo was displayed in early Oklahoma History textbooks. In the words of Johnny, "Tom Presley was a mean man" not that he was an outlaw, but simply didn't tolerate mistreatment of his family. A story told by Ollie to her children had Tom (her father) riding out to retrieve his younger sister every time she "ran away" from home. Ollie told her children that her Aunt Rosie Presley (actually Tom's younger cousin, not sister) never married, but eventually would have ten children - so gave them all the "Presley" last name. According to Ollie, Rosie was pregnant with several of her children when Tom rode out to bring her back home.
Johnny was raised by his mother and older siblings, and went to school in Marlow, becoming a great athlete while playing football and track & field. He graduated from Marlow High School in 1949 and received a football scholarship to Oklahoma State University. When Johnny enrolled at O.S.U., his dorm roommate was Billy Vessels, another star high school football player. According to Johnny, after a couple days of practice, two O.U. football coaches visited the dorm room where Billy and Johnny stayed. They asked Johnny if they could visit with Billy alone, so he "took a walk" around campus. Upon his return to the room an hour later, Billy Vessels was packing his bags for the University of Oklahoma. Johnny told me the next time he saw Billy, he was driving a big yellow Buick.
The Korean War was just beginning at this time, so Johnny joined the Marines, was sent to San Diego for basic training, and became a Lieutenant in the Military Police. According to Johnny's older sister, he did not go to Korea because he could play football, and played on his marine team for San Diego. After his stint in the Marine Corps, Johnny became a rodeo cowboy, and toured the rodeo circuit as a "bull rider" and "bulldogger", and became friends with Jim Shoulders, Mickey Mantle, and Dan Blocker, of "Bonanza" fame. While rodeoing at Madison Square Garden in New York, Johnny also "modeled" for a romance-drama magazine, as his photo was used for one of the stories. (My mother, Mary, still has a tattered copy of the magazine).
My dad, Johnny, began to lose his eyesight in 1964, and by 1966 was legally "blind". My mother went back to college to earn a teaching degree to support the family. Although blind, my father was my football little league coach and still my hero - he was bigger than life to me. Johnny continued to work at home - breaking horses for friends and other cowboy chores such as feeding cattle... and building barns with no eyesight. He attended every high school football game my brother and I played in, as my mother narrated the action so he could be proud of his sons. We truly hoped he was.
I became a high school football and track coach after college, and was lucky enough to coach several championship teams. I was very proud of all the players and teams I coached, but I was most proud when my father was able to attend. One football game comes to mind when I remember Dad: Ardmore, 8 - 0, ranked number one in the state visited Duncan, 8 - 0, ranked number two for whom I coached. My brother and daddy arrived just before kickoff, and had to stand for the entire game. My brother watched and narrated every play to daddy, just as a radio announcer would. It came down to the last play, as Duncan kicked a field goal to win 23 - 21. My brother and father were completely exhausted after the game, but I was the proudest I'd ever been.
I remember thinking my dad was a combination of James Arness of "Gunsmoke" and Johnny Cash (His minister, Bill Love, said he sounded a lot like Johnny Cash when singing). Johnny sang country-western ballads such as "The Blizzard" by Jim Reeves and "Gentle on My Mind" by Glen Campbell to us kids while we grew up. My father will stay with me every day, until I join him. That day will definitely be a "Father and Child Reunion"...
John Dale Beckham, my father, died in 2003 after a hard battle with cancer. He was the greatest man I ever knew, and I think about him every day. His only wish, was that somehow he could regain his eyesight, if only for one day, so he could see how his kids had grown up. I'm quite sure he has seen us now...
Ara (Rumpy) Bush, the father of Bethany, Breann, and Braden, and spouse of Tiffany Bush, volunteers his time and resources to Blanchard Public Schools on a regular basis. He is a coach, mentor, and supporter of not only his kids but many other Blanchard Lions over the years. Last Friday, Braden Bush, Rumpy's only son, passed away while at college. Braden was a Blanchard Lion in its truest sense, having played a major role in both the 2012 football state championship and the 2013 state runnerup title. He was simply dedicated to Blanchard Public Schools both athletically and socially, one of the most popular kids ever to attend. I consider Rumpy a close friend, but I have no idea how he feels now (I can only imagine). To lose a child must be the most devastating experience and non-sleeping nightmare a parent will ever go through. If I know Rumpy though, I know he believes that the separation from Braden is only temporary, and he'll see him later. I'm proud to call Rumpy a friend.
My brother, Johnny Beckham, is another father who endured the loss of his only son - 23 years ago. Austin, 12 years old at the time, was killed when his friend accidently shot him. I never saw Johnny shed a tear, although I'm sure he did as he prayed for Austin. Like Ara Bush, Johnny knows that he'll see Austin momentarily, and there will be a great reunion.
I'd also like to recognize my dad - Johnny Dale Beckham (1930-2003), with this tribute. I'm reminded of the David Gates pop song Everything I own when I think of my dad. While I realize that my father was no better or worse than many fathers, he is my hero, so feel free to envision your own father as you read about his life.
Johnny Beckham was born in September, 1930, not in a hospital - but on a "cotton sack" out in a cotton patch. His mother, Ollie Teola (Presley) Beckham, was picking cotton as she went into labor, and couldn't get to a doctor or hospital. (Ollie was a second cousin to Elvis Presley, but I'll say more about this later.) Johnny's father, Virgil Beckham, was killed in a farm accident in November of 1933, so Johnny, being only three years old, only had one vague memory of his dad - a vision of him as he came around the corner of their shotgun house. After the death of Virgil, Ollie moved to Marlow, Oklahoma - taking Johnny and five siblings to live closer to her parents - Tom and Marvelia Presley. Tom, Johnny's grandfather, was a figure right out of the old west, as he wore a six-gun at his side and always rode a black horse. As a matter of fact, Tom, riding his black mare, is in a photograph of the start of an Oklahoma Land Run in 1892. The photo was displayed in early Oklahoma History textbooks. In the words of Johnny, "Tom Presley was a mean man" not that he was an outlaw, but simply didn't tolerate mistreatment of his family. A story told by Ollie to her children had Tom (her father) riding out to retrieve his younger sister every time she "ran away" from home. Ollie told her children that her Aunt Rosie Presley (actually Tom's younger cousin, not sister) never married, but eventually would have ten children - so gave them all the "Presley" last name. According to Ollie, Rosie was pregnant with several of her children when Tom rode out to bring her back home.
Johnny was raised by his mother and older siblings, and went to school in Marlow, becoming a great athlete while playing football and track & field. He graduated from Marlow High School in 1949 and received a football scholarship to Oklahoma State University. When Johnny enrolled at O.S.U., his dorm roommate was Billy Vessels, another star high school football player. According to Johnny, after a couple days of practice, two O.U. football coaches visited the dorm room where Billy and Johnny stayed. They asked Johnny if they could visit with Billy alone, so he "took a walk" around campus. Upon his return to the room an hour later, Billy Vessels was packing his bags for the University of Oklahoma. Johnny told me the next time he saw Billy, he was driving a big yellow Buick.
The Korean War was just beginning at this time, so Johnny joined the Marines, was sent to San Diego for basic training, and became a Lieutenant in the Military Police. According to Johnny's older sister, he did not go to Korea because he could play football, and played on his marine team for San Diego. After his stint in the Marine Corps, Johnny became a rodeo cowboy, and toured the rodeo circuit as a "bull rider" and "bulldogger", and became friends with Jim Shoulders, Mickey Mantle, and Dan Blocker, of "Bonanza" fame. While rodeoing at Madison Square Garden in New York, Johnny also "modeled" for a romance-drama magazine, as his photo was used for one of the stories. (My mother, Mary, still has a tattered copy of the magazine).
My dad, Johnny, began to lose his eyesight in 1964, and by 1966 was legally "blind". My mother went back to college to earn a teaching degree to support the family. Although blind, my father was my football little league coach and still my hero - he was bigger than life to me. Johnny continued to work at home - breaking horses for friends and other cowboy chores such as feeding cattle... and building barns with no eyesight. He attended every high school football game my brother and I played in, as my mother narrated the action so he could be proud of his sons. We truly hoped he was.
I became a high school football and track coach after college, and was lucky enough to coach several championship teams. I was very proud of all the players and teams I coached, but I was most proud when my father was able to attend. One football game comes to mind when I remember Dad: Ardmore, 8 - 0, ranked number one in the state visited Duncan, 8 - 0, ranked number two for whom I coached. My brother and daddy arrived just before kickoff, and had to stand for the entire game. My brother watched and narrated every play to daddy, just as a radio announcer would. It came down to the last play, as Duncan kicked a field goal to win 23 - 21. My brother and father were completely exhausted after the game, but I was the proudest I'd ever been.
I remember thinking my dad was a combination of James Arness of "Gunsmoke" and Johnny Cash (His minister, Bill Love, said he sounded a lot like Johnny Cash when singing). Johnny sang country-western ballads such as "The Blizzard" by Jim Reeves and "Gentle on My Mind" by Glen Campbell to us kids while we grew up. My father will stay with me every day, until I join him. That day will definitely be a "Father and Child Reunion"...
John Dale Beckham, my father, died in 2003 after a hard battle with cancer. He was the greatest man I ever knew, and I think about him every day. His only wish, was that somehow he could regain his eyesight, if only for one day, so he could see how his kids had grown up. I'm quite sure he has seen us now...
Monday, June 12, 2017
Blanchard Baseball Tradition
Our Blanchard Lions baseball program has traditionally been rich in players, and this year has been no exception. Brett Owen, Lion shortstop, was named to the Oklahoman All-State team and the Little All-City Player of the Year. Brett has signed to play collegiately for Kansas State. Cade Stephens, Lion catcher, was named Little All-City and to the Daily Oklahoman second team All-State - signing with Arkansas-Little Rock. Cade and Brett also made the Oklahoma Coaches All-State team as did Coach Josh Rainey, and will play/coach for the West All-Staters on Tuesday, July 25 at ORU Stadium in Tulsa.
Aaron Brooks, the son of former Oklahoma Player of the Year 1978 David Brooks, has signed with the University of Oklahoma as a pitcher and was named Little-All City and Alternate All-State. Joe Craig was named to the Daily Oklahoman's Alternate All-State squad as a third baseman and is also listed as a 2016 south Top-Prospect by Max-Preps. The tradition continues...
Aaron Brooks, the son of former Oklahoma Player of the Year 1978 David Brooks, has signed with the University of Oklahoma as a pitcher and was named Little-All City and Alternate All-State. Joe Craig was named to the Daily Oklahoman's Alternate All-State squad as a third baseman and is also listed as a 2016 south Top-Prospect by Max-Preps. The tradition continues...
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Assistant Superintendent of the Year
District 16 of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) is composed of 23 school districts which surround Interstate Highway 35 from Newcastle in the north to the Texas border in the south. In the nine years that Gayle Castle has been employed by Blanchard Public Schools, she has been named the OASA District Assistant Superintendent of the Year seven times- a record for District 16, and maybe the entire state. The reason for these multiple honors is really very simple - Mrs. Castle always keeps the students at the forefront of importance in her work for our school. In addition to her honors as a top-notch assistant superintendent, Gayle Castle has also been inducted into the Blanchard Education Foundation's Hall of Fame - as a stalwart contributor to our students' education. The Blanchard Public School district is very lucky to have an administrator such as Gayle Castle, as she is the number one reason for the success that our school has enjoyed over the last several years. We hope she stays for several more years...
Monday, June 5, 2017
Mother and Child Reunion... Fred
Anyone who regularly reads my blog/column knows that I usually refer to story-telling songs of the 1960's and 1970's as I write. Singer/song writers of this era such as Bob Dylan, John Denver, Elvis Presley, Don McLean, and Paul Simon captured many American's feelings and life philosophies like no others before or since. As a youngster growing up on Rush Creek, I could not understand the true meaning of the lyrics I listened to, but I loved the melodies. As an older Oklahoman, though, I now can appreciate the message provided by those song writers of the sixties and seventies. If you're reading my blog/ columns, it is best to access my facebook page or youtube and listen to the referenced song by the artists of yesteryear - to understand my thoughts. To this end, I'll be changing the title of my blog from Education and Politics to something more heartfelt.
In 1972, Paul Simon, the great American songwriter, wrote the lyrics to Mother and Child Reunion, a song which conveys my feelings this week. I first referenced this song several years ago, at the passing of a friend, Joe Lindsey, as I tried to make sense of life. In June of 1932, at the age of eleven, Joe witnessed what was probably his greatest personal tragedy - the drowning of his mother and three younger siblings. The accident happened outside of Cox City as the Lindsey family crossed a bridge over rain-swollen Rush Creek. They were traveling to a family Baptism on the hill overlooking the creek, on the north side. Just as the wagon reached the far-side of the bridge, it overturned, spilling eleven into the troubled waters. In 2014, I stood alongside Joe Lindsey - in the same place that he stood at the top of the hill in 1932, as he watched his family disappear in the churning waters. A tear came to his eye, as he must have placed himself back there in 1932 - and thought of the reunion that was soon to take place. Joe passed away in 2015 at the age of 93, and I believe the mother and child reunion was complete.
Paul Simon was inspired to write Mother and Child Reunion after his dog was run over and killed. It was the first death Simon personally experienced, and it affected him greatly. The lyrics were difficult for me to understand in 1972, but as I age, the meaning has become crystal clear... Two stanzas of the song:
I just can't believe it's so
Though it seems strange to say
I never been laid so low
In such a mysterious way
And the course of a lifetime runs
Over and over again
But I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
But the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away
Oh, little darling of mine
Mother and Child Reunion epitomizes my thoughts and feelings today, as well as probably the rest of my life, but I must remember... my reunion with Fred, my best friend, is only a moment away if all good dogs go to Heaven... I believe they do.
In 1972, Paul Simon, the great American songwriter, wrote the lyrics to Mother and Child Reunion, a song which conveys my feelings this week. I first referenced this song several years ago, at the passing of a friend, Joe Lindsey, as I tried to make sense of life. In June of 1932, at the age of eleven, Joe witnessed what was probably his greatest personal tragedy - the drowning of his mother and three younger siblings. The accident happened outside of Cox City as the Lindsey family crossed a bridge over rain-swollen Rush Creek. They were traveling to a family Baptism on the hill overlooking the creek, on the north side. Just as the wagon reached the far-side of the bridge, it overturned, spilling eleven into the troubled waters. In 2014, I stood alongside Joe Lindsey - in the same place that he stood at the top of the hill in 1932, as he watched his family disappear in the churning waters. A tear came to his eye, as he must have placed himself back there in 1932 - and thought of the reunion that was soon to take place. Joe passed away in 2015 at the age of 93, and I believe the mother and child reunion was complete.
Paul Simon was inspired to write Mother and Child Reunion after his dog was run over and killed. It was the first death Simon personally experienced, and it affected him greatly. The lyrics were difficult for me to understand in 1972, but as I age, the meaning has become crystal clear... Two stanzas of the song:
I just can't believe it's so
Though it seems strange to say
I never been laid so low
In such a mysterious way
And the course of a lifetime runs
Over and over again
But I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
But the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away
Oh, little darling of mine
Mother and Child Reunion epitomizes my thoughts and feelings today, as well as probably the rest of my life, but I must remember... my reunion with Fred, my best friend, is only a moment away if all good dogs go to Heaven... I believe they do.
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