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It was sixty years ago or there abouts, in the
city of Cleveland, Ohio. We had come from the prairie and not even once
had seen a lake the size of Erie. The damp cold weather in Ohio contrasted
completely with the sunny, hot winds of the land where we lived in Northern
Oklahoma. Besides the cool weather there was rain. When my family met the
Gow family it was sort of like love at first sight. They were from
Hamilton, Ontario and were so facinated with the beauty of my Native
American mother. I remember mother smiling as they asked her to turn her
back to them so they could take a picture of her long black hair. Of course,
they wanted to know all about Oklahoma and Mother wanted to know about
Canada, as well. While our families
visited Beverly Ann and I were busy getting acquainted as well. We were
around nine years old with no interest in anything other than playing
together. I really don't know what kind of play we had. Probably something
like tag your it, or some other children's game that required nothing but
the game itself. I remember making a game of jumping over the puddles the
rains had left. As children we had no goal to pursue. It was a moment to
moment thing. We seemed to be just perfect for each other. Walking along
together, holding hands, swearing to be best of friends forever is still in
my memory these sixty years since.
Of course, it all ended as we returned to
Oklahoma and they to Canada. But, on the other hand, it didn't end
completely. For ten years we faithfully corresponded. As children we shared
bits and pieces of our lives and what was going on in our world. Children's
letters are very short and ours were no exception. I remember her notes as
being only a little over one page, and mine were the same. Mother always saw
to it that I had stationery printed with decoration suitable for my age. At
first bunny rabbits, comedy characters and later roses or something
delicate.
We were of the same faith so, often our notes
discussed this or that about those activities. This was the last
correspondence I had from her along with this picture. As you can see she
was quite mature here. This was the year after I graduated from high school
and was in college. The pace was fast because I was taking an extra number
of hours. I kept thinking I would get a reply off to her but never did. I
did save this photograph because it was where they were putting up a new
building for Bible study and meetings and because even through the years I
still felt a wonderful closeness to her just as one does with friends. I
love this picture because it shows Beverly's personality so well. She was
actually this charming even as a child. One day I may hear from her again
and I look forward to that if in fact she is still living.
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