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.