15 June 2007: A very special visit to Tyler, Texas begins at the home of my uncle Harold and Aunt Sherry. Harold had snapped the
pictures of my Trans Am at the Texas Motor Speedway in May 2006, so now it is time for me to return the favor in some small way.
The sky is overcast in East Texas on this day. Conditions are not particularly conducive for photography,
and the fact that I do not know what I am doing does not help matters.
Sherry proceeds, at my insistence, to show off her many antiques, such as this table that has been in her family since the early 1900s.
Family items, handed down from generation to generation, such as this restored desk and chairs, are present throughout this home.
From large to the small, this home, which itself has been restored, should certainly be on the cover of a magazine!
Yet Harold's and Sherry's home is a study in contrast:
the elegance of fine, ornate furniture is contradicted by a home theater setup unlike any I have ever seen.
Who uses Crown power amps and eight stacked bass speakers with 18 inch woofers in their multimedia room?
Perhaps many former party DJs!
From the football games at my parents' home on holidays in the 1970s, to my wedding to my bride Kathy in 1983 to the present day, Harold is one awesome uncle! In fact, his literal coolness can be discerned from his company shirt.
My next stop in Tyler is the home in which mom, dad, brother David and I were living 40 years ago. I snapped this pic as the rain fell,
and then knocked on the door to ask permission to enter the premise. I still remember the layout of this house, including the stairs that dad and I fell down, resulting in a shattered window. I still remember the huge tree in the backyard, which is still there. I still remember dad coming outside to tell me that the Cowboys had just blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in 1968. I remember exactly where I was in the upstairs bedroom when mom told me that President Kennedy had been shot. I remember our poodle Brian with
the broken leg, and many of the neighbors. I remember dad calling me to come downstairs just to change the channel on our black
and white TV. I remember watching Rat Patrol and Combat on the black and white TV upstairs while I Love Lucy was showing on the
TV downstairs. I remember taking out the trash, having to walk around to the side of the house blanketed in total darkness, all the while reciting, out loud, Psalm 56:3: "When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."
Fear and worry still try to force their way into my heart; clouds of gray and gloom that cast shadows along the path I want to walk,
much as the clouds over Tyler today. Fear is a difficult challenge, but only because of my tendency to hang onto the very thing
that harms my spirit and outlook.
This house is not ours anymore, but David and Debbie were so kind to permit me, a total stranger, to take a
walk down memory lane and remember what life was like when I was a young boy.
We are strangers, but not unknown to each other. David is a Texas Aggie, class of 1981, and I am Class of 1980. Instant friends. Gig 'em.
A return to Clarkston Elementary School is the next stop in Tyler. This school brings back a load of memories in its own right. Miss Miller, my first grade treacher - an absolute Angel. Mrs. Stiger, who use to watch us from outside of the classroom to see who was misbehaving when she was out of the room. Mrs. Babe the PE teacher. Many friends whose miniature photos I might still have.
The flag football team on which I played.
Reminiscing has its place, and I enjoyed my time today with Harold and Sherry, with David and Debbie, and the sight of Clarkston Elementary school, but the primary purpose of this trip to Tyler was to honor Ron Baker, a man who fought the good fight, loved Jesus, his wife Becky of 37 years, his children and grandchildren, his fellow man, his church and believers young in the faith whom he mentored. I never even met Ron, but I know his type from emails and conversations with Ruth Lee and the family. This one was born in Zion (PS 87). This one is His, and is in the presence of his Lord and Savior. I look forward to seeing this man of God in heaven. Between now and then, I am inspired to model my life after Ron's life and legacy, as well as other men strong in the Word and strong in the Spirit.