Thursday, January 3, 2013
Will is my uncle (who seemed more like a cousin) and friend, my mother's stepbrother. My fondest memories of Will start with our times as children at ADANAC farm in North Charleston. Will, the scientist, was like a magician to me. He had a full chemistry lab out in a tiny room attached to the back porch. With his Bunsen burner, chemicals, and formulas, Will concocted mixtures that would explode, create shimmering crystals, and pschedelic colors. It was a risky adventure! Up in the attic was an electric train and Will operated the system handily. All the bells, whistles, sparks, and intricate tracks and tunnels captivated me. During the night I was awakened by the REAL train's hauntingly friendly horn in the distance and the approaching rumble as it whizzed through the farm. Will, a talented musician, inspired my love of organ music when he practiced on the auspicious pipe organ at the North Charleston church, only to be followed by the sheer pleasure of sharing a dozen warm Krispy Kreme donuts on the way home. (Iowa had not yet been blessed by this franchise.) Christmas at the hunting lodge in Deer town modeled Charlie Brown's simplicity. With just the Wild, Marchant, and Olesen families gathering in this remote setting, I remember the pure joy of just being together. When the Marchants and Wilds visited Iowa, fireworks announced their arrival. Everyone knew in Avoca knew when Herb and Ele's relatives from the south set foot at the Olesens'! Armed with fat huge peppermint sticks, enormous Slo-Poke suckers, and a cooler of blue point oysters on ice, the celebration for Christmas was launched. Stacked two and three children high on wooden sleds, we coasted down a gentle hill next to our home or more bravely whizzed down the steeper two block town street which crossed State Hwy. 59. I wish Will and I had lived in closer proximity. He is remembered for his kind heart, generosity, chortling laugh, wit, and friendship. I am grateful for Will.
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