The wind blew little Billy's hair straight up in front as he sat with his BB gun on the top of the dam overlooking the pasture. His head between his legs, bored with life, there was nothing to do again and no one to play with.

His sisters seemed more interested in listening to records of Petula Clark and the Beatles and reading 17 magazine than exploring. What was wrong with girls he was thinking, as he gazed across the field, in the nearby tall grass looking for an unfortunate warrior grasshopper to kill. Looking calmly and with such attention that thought had no place. It was at that instant, that his heart jumped into his throat. Rex, raced by after a rabbit and now the chase was on. To heck with the grasshoppers, we were after some real game now! Under the barbed wire fence and down through the tall grass. His hair still blowing straight up and his pant leg out of one boot he ran. Now his hopes were beginning to fade, again, as Rex and the rabbit were putting allot of distance between him and themselves.

"Wait Rex" he yelled! Didn't that dog know he had the BB gun? Suddenly he was gaining on Rex again.

It looks like he has the rabbit cornered by a bush. Billy turns sharply to cover the back side, in case the rabbit decided to head that way. Then his face hit the dirt, and the gun went flying into a cat-claw bush. Just like the one that had reached out and grabbed his jeans. They were bunched up over his boot and the bush hung on until he fell to the ground.

Now he was looking at the bush and thinking "Ouch" that hurts so bad. Not only did it have his jeans, but it was poking his hand as he tried to free himself from the grip. It was so tight and now he could see blood on his hand where he was scratched and this made him think of his pocket knife. He struggled to pull it out and open it. Once he did, he was free again, torn jeans, dirty, and bleeding, but free again. Now he was very cautious, as he reached into the other bush careful not to touch it and slowly pull his BB gun to him.

He had lost the thrill of the hunt now, and besides, he could see Rex digging frantically near the bush as if the rabbit was still there. It sure looked like the rabbit had it planned all the time.

Then out of the corner of his eye he saw the rabbit come out of another hole and run to freedom ,as he took one careful aim, only to hit the fence post. He tried to get Rex to continue the chase but he was determined to keep digging until he had dug up the rabbit. Billy sat and waited for Rex to tire. He ran from side to side of the bush, looking all around in total confusion, wondering why he couldn't find the rabbit. But with the strong smell of fresh dirt, Billy couldn't see what he was smelling anyway. "Come on Rex" he called over and over until he succeeded in getting his attention. Just a few yards away, Rex came running over to get a pet and hug for such a valiant effort. Then he dashed back for one last look at the bush, just to make sure that the rabbit wasn't there. Now Billy was mad "I said, come on!" and Rex did.

The rest of the after noon was to be more of the same, chasing rabbits, shooting at grasshoppers, as well as bottles and birds. But, more than anything else, "exploring". There was so much out there to see, old cars, tons of beautiful rocks along the railroad track near the bridge. Plus, he just knew that years ago the Indians had buried a treasure out there, and it was up to him to find it. Then, they would all see that he was right, it wasn't a waste of time. He crawled through the 6 foot Johnson Grass and made secret tunnels in it to hide his find, once he figured out where it was. Now he headed for "Frog Lake", there he could see if the frogs were out on the lily-pads. And climb up on the tank to get a drink of fresh water. "Gosh, I hope the cows aren't here today," he thought as he walked across the field, and to his delight, they weren't.

So it was just him and nature, fresh water, a awesome grapevine to lay under and cool off by. And there was peace, yes true peace, there was nothing like it.

So he lays back under the grapes eating them and thinking "Why can't I live here?" No one could hurt him now, except mamma when she saw the tear in the jeans from the bush. He just set there, with his BB gun wedged through the chicken wire fence, pointing toward the pond in case a frog just happen to come out to challenge him. But it wasn't likely, as Rex ran around and around the pond sticking his nose in and then backing off. Shaking it, as if he had been bitten. What an act! Billy thought, I should throw a stick in and make him jump in and get wet, but if I do I can't see the gold fish because it gets too muddy.

Little, did Billy really know then, and what if you could have told him? How he was going to live and where he would go? All the things that would happen to him, and how he would meet Susan and raise a family. One thing that is apparent though, he still is the same old Billy, from head to toe!

Let me explain.

Each day, the things he did were molding him, forming a boy that would develop qualities so deeply, that they would be a permanent part of his personality and life.

Billy still likes to sit alone, in the wind at times and wonder. He thinks about his sisters, still, not about the music or the magazines but in a way I guess he still wonders about them. How life has taken them and him on such separate, and at times rugged paths. How it could rob us of the simple joys of childhood and keep us so busy and confused, that we would forget each other and let chaos of life push us so far apart. Is this the way it was really supposed to be?

Billy can remember hating the Beatles. They looked like girls and the 17 magazine, well, he wouldn't be caught dead looking at it. But deep inside, he never knew that he was forming a dislike for these things because they were taking away his sisters. Now they wouldn't go exploring out in the pasture, and look for treasures like he did.

Yes, the more we learned and the more educated we got, the more we branched out into the world and listened to the views of those in school and on TV. The more we seemed to drift apart.

We loaded up our bags with stuff, some good and some bad, but as we each went our separate ways we would remember the good times right?

And as we might begin to lose hope, like when the rabbit kept getting further and further away he knew if he kept going he would somehow catch up again, sometime. The innocence of being a kid, and the truly meaningful and simple things in life like being sisters and brothers? We would remember the times we rolled down the hill in the 55 gallon barrel and the adventures in the pasture. We would remember the fishing trips, and the snakes and the fires that would crackle us to sleep. We looked up into the starry sky and let our minds tell our hearts that life would be OK.

I knew that no powers on earth could wipe out the memories of "Maverick Canyon" as we drifted down stream in the boat. We were waiting for a fish, to grab a hold of the hook on the jugs that drifted slowly and quietly down stream. Would our life's be that way? Would we be able to sit at times and enjoy the stillness and reflect? Would it be possible, to live in the moment and allow all life's mistakes to wiggle up into the sky? Just like the smoke from the campfire to someone who could truly do something about them?

To someone, who understood why we do the things we do, and how small they are in the complete picture of our life. To a creator, that gave us life, and told us just to love each other. And never allow ourselves to become bitter and to hold grudges against each other? The very one who gave us the ability to play and enjoy the simple things in life. He understood how hard it would be to please each other all the time. But who reminded us, that he was "with us" and willing to forgive us. If we never forgot each other or allowed the world to drive a wedge between us. And what are thoughts anyway? When we compare them to the feelings, deep down inside that are there with such strong and moving powers. If we close our eyes, and just imagine we are back on the bank of the river and it is almost dark. The fish are cooking and bats are swooping back and forth, what is missing anyway? Do you know?

For me, it must be the laughter, the giggling of Cathy, Mary, and Dana as they play together. Each one with a new, and never to be forgotten prank. The joy of seeing them all together again, and knowing that they are still there for each other. Daring the world, to just try, and tear them apart, because remember, they said it never could.

And as I travel through life, I don't have a BB gun or Rex to chase after. But I still have the same desire to explore and hunt. That which still at times seems to be just out of reach. As though it is hidden just below the surface, and will pop up in another place sending me off on another adventure. I am still, in my own ways clumsy and as life grabs me I fall. I have pain and bleed before I can free myself again, to continue on. But I know that this is the same Billy, running without a bad thought about others, just trying to enjoy the life, as I was given it. Still with the same spirit of adventure and just knowing that there is a treasure out there in the field, for me, if I keep looking.

If I can just remember, the simple and meaningful things in life. By taking time to taste the fresh water from the tank and sit under my grapevine. Still knowing, deep down inside, that no one could touch me. You see, mamma always understood I would fall and tear my jeans from time to time. But she also knew, that I would get back up and go on. Always looking for the answer, the treasure, out there that could bring me back to the happiness that I felt. Just knowing that I had a family, they loved me.

Even though they might not always understand me or agree with me, they would always forgive me and each other. Now more than ever, I know why I was made the way that I was. To live a simple life of adventure and peace. To run through the pastures and feel the pain so I could grow and develop but never to lose the identity of who I was, and where I came from.

Now as I hear a faint whistle in the distance, I am awakened to reality again. It is supper time, and I have to run all the way back to make it home before dark! May I never allow the darkness, to catch me away from my home. And when the final darkness comes I will be once again reunited with the family and thus the cycle of life will be complete. I just wonder, now, as I look off into the distance, how I will feel about, how we all did? How will it turn out? Will we all be there together, happy with the joys of laughter.

The whistle sure sounded like Daddy calling us home.

++++++++ THE END OF PART ONE +++++++

There it was again, this time the whistle was louder and more distinct.

Why, it wasn't Daddy at all! What a relief, there was still plenty of time to get all the things done today that Little Billy had planned. It was the "Train!" Jumping up with renewed excitement he ran down through the vine and climbed up over the wooden gate, near the water tank. As he jumped down off the other side, his excitement was almost uncontrolled.

"Come On Rex...REX! Here boy! Well, never mind, this was important enough to do on his own if need be. So off across the cow pasture he ran, flying like the wind. This time he was confident, he had tucked his pants legs both inside his boots. Besides if people could see them now, they would know he was a real cowboy.

He dashed across the pasture jumping cow pies and darting back and forth around the bushes. They would not stop him this time! He had to get to the Fort, before the train made it. There he could get close enough to reach the train, just incase any robbers tried to jump off and get into his Fort. Just then again, Rex cut in front of him, almost causing him to fall. "I hate it when you do that, Rex" he said. He regained his balance and now had to dodge Rex also, as he was jumping up and trying to stay in front of him.

But to Billy, it was no joke it was a race against time, they must not, no, they couldn't see him. He had to get there in time to lay low in the Johnson Grass and secure the Fort. And he did, as he lay there panting, with excitement and with is BB gun ready, just in case. The train was getting closer, and closer. The sound was getting louder and louder the excitement was now almost turning into fear. He now felt the thundering of the of the train in the ground. As he lay on his back holding Rex tight he was peeking up through the blades of grass and could see the train as it roared past. The excitement was almost more than he could handle. But, just as swiftly as it came, it was gone.

Now it was safe to look up, and he did, watching the caboose fade into the distance. The smoke from the engine bellowed skyward. But wait, I better check he thought, just to be sure. So, down on his stomach he went crawling through the grass under the bridge, to see if anyone had jumped off into the water.

Nope all was clear, and besides Rex would have already given him away. Just then Little Billy caught site of a turtle, sticking his head out of the water. He moved ever so slowly, pulled his BB gun up, caulked it, and missed again!

"Man," those things are hard to hit. Well at least I was alone and no one saw me miss. Now he felt the grapes in his hand, they were all smashed because of the heat of battle. But still they tasted just as good. Then he saw it! Jewels, a treasure, turquoise in color sparkling in the sun. So he ran over to pick it up and then he saw it was just a piece of glass, a small part of a broken insulator from off the telephone pole.

But still he would add it to his treasure chest just in case, so he went up under the bridge and dug up his old sock that had already quite a few rocks and things hidden in. Why it even had a army metal, that he had taken from the jewelry box of Daddy's to pretend it was his, for being so brave. After he had placed the sock back safely and covered it up he walked back to the Johnson Grass.

He lay back under the shade of the small but numerous blades.

He felt so tired, and he begin to dream.

He was dreaming that life was like a big train. Daddy with his "conductors train hat" was the engineer and he was pulling down the rope causing the whistle to blow ever louder and louder! The whistle just like daddies, was a symbol to take action. There was so much to do and life was racing by just like a big old train. Making so much noise that sometimes we have trouble thinking. But Billy knew that he had to help others to understand. That just as fast as it came, it would be gone. All the running and getting into position to be prepared to fight would be of little value if we were to confused by the noise of life. He had to keep his focus, there was a family and a treasure to protect. He must hold the Fort, no matter what.

There was such an "empty feeling" as the train chugged out of sight and the smoke drifted into the sky. Just like Indian smoke signals, it was telling all those watching about the life he and his sisters had lived. How they had drifted so far apart because of the preasures of life.

Daddy was a rugged conductor, he was cut out of the old stock as they say. He had been through a lot, and had won almost every time. But life was changing now. The tests were not the same as before. Could we understand? Could we appreciate, the hard life and challenges he had to endure to make it this far? Where was our faith, and our conviction?

Could we close our eyes and imagine in the year 1947, when he was a young man full of life and a zest to live. How he must have felt being dropped off on the beach of Normandy. As he ran with a wave of other men, toward an never ending line of machine guns. The noise of guns shaking the ground was like the thundering of the train. I t must have turned into fear for him also. Watching as hundreds of others fell, still very much afraid of dying, yet with the courage to keep running up the beach. Begging, no doubt that he would make it alive. And when he did, make it alive that is, what must he be thinking about men?

Where does this desire to fight and argue come from? And what about the character of our generation? Do we "really" know what it means to brush so close to death so as to feel it's sting and yet survive? Would we have the courage to run into the gunfire and not stop, or cower and hide? Would we do for our families and our loved ones the same things he did? But in our own special way? And if we would miss the target as Little Billy did many times, especially when shooting at turtles. And he thought no one was watching, realize that there is always someone watching us. What do we do when we are all alone.

Would we learn and improve ourselves with each day and every new experience? Would we keep on fighting to bring peace and unity to those we cared so much about? And when we look out at the sunset and see a turquoise reflection in the sky do we really appreciate what the sky has seen today and all the years past? Do we value our simple treasures anyway. So as to hide them in a safe place where no one can rob us of the simple joys of caring and being cared for.

Even if we have in some way, managed to smash the grapes of our life's, by putting undue pressure on each other and causing pain and hurt to each other. By either thoughtless words or acts of unkindness. Can we still taste the sweetness that belongs to being a family and holding on to it as though it was a metal we earned, for the bravery to face another day.

Maybe we can and will find, that treasures are not always gold and silver. Maybe they are bravery and the courage to forgive and reach out our hand to each other. And the wetness on my face ..it must be, no, it is. Rex licking me to wake me up.

So I got up and walked high up on the bridge over looking the pastures and the fields where I can look one way and see a sunset. But if I look back over my shoulder, I can see home. If I look down into the water, under the bridge I see a reflection of a boy, and wondered just who would he become? Where would he go, and as he explored life what would he find? Yes what was the treasure, that would have the most value?

++++++++++ TO BE CONTINED ++++++++++

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