| Author |
Message |
R TERRY
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 4:21 pm: | |
For the past couple of years three of my buses have found residence at my mother's house in southeastern Arizona, a place I have jokingly referred to as The Middle of Nowhere. The 4905 and the RTS occupy the lot behind the backyard. The 3704 is, appropriately, parked next to the rickety old wooden barn. For one of those years, the 4104 was parked smack in front of Mom's house, effectively limiting her view of Nowhere to the 4104 itself.
I have always felt bad about that, buses parked everywhere, a sight that not very many people would appreciate—an eyesore by most standards. But Mom always told me she didn't mind, a generous notion that I thought was too kind, something only a mom would say.
A few weeks ago while Mom was in Phoenix for some medical treatments, I had the pleasure of taking her out to lunch, and playing hooky from work. Like I have done so many times before, I apologized to Mom for uglying-up her little patch of the world with those blasted buses. I've never gotten it straight in my mind that she has done so much for me and in return she gets to baby sit my ridiculous obsession with those big monsters.
She said, "Honey, they don't bother me a bit and I wish you would quit thinking about it."
"I just don't think it's fair," I reminded her.
"I know how much those buses mean to you, so don't worry about it."
Well, thanks, Mom, but I have never adequately been able to explain why I have so many buses. I have always thought that there should be a good, logical reason for having them, as if there was a long-range purpose, such as becoming a tour bus operator in revenue service, or something. I have understood all along that nothing like that would ever happen, so I have fanned the fire of my desire by believing in their conversion possibilities and then, when the time came, roaming the Interstates and back roads of America as the kids and I try to realize our version of the Great American Dream. I know that will probably never happen, either.
"Look, Mom," I continued to rationalize, as if it would shed some light on my inexplicable behavior, "I know this isn't good enough, but I love those buses just because I have them. I like my buses, that's all; I just like having them."
She smiled that warm, momly smile, and said, "I know that, RT, and that's good enough for me."
I'm not sure why, but for once this silly explanation about my buses, one that I had never been comfortable with, now seemed perfectly OK—because Mom said it was OK, and I believed her; she meant it from the bottom of her heart. We had a great lunch together and nothing else was mentioned about the buses.
On October 3, 2005, Mom passed away.
As I stood at the head of her gravesite, it occurred to me that this very spot in this very lonesome cemetery in southeastern Arizona, about a mile from Mom's house, was, in fact, the exact Middle of Nowhere.
But that can't be right, I thought. Anywhere Mom is CAN'T be The Middle of Nowhere. No! The Middle of Nowhere is right smack in the middle of my heart.
R TERRY |
David Dulmage (Daved)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 4:32 pm: | |
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Dave D |
H3-40
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 5:14 pm: | |
Dang RT, that's a very touching story! I'm truly sorry about your mom's passing. She let you know down deep that you and your busses were always welcome! Don't feel guilty about it! It's obviuous from your story that all she wanted was for you to be happy! She wouldn't have wanted it any other way I'm sure!
Ace |
Bob Vandawalker (Rav221)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 5:25 pm: | |
Sounds like a incredible Mom, I'm sure she's still with you, just not physically....
Bob |
Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 6:23 pm: | |
You have a wonderful mother, RT. From what you wrote, it's clear she had a great son. I can think of no better tribute to her.
Sorry for your loss,
bb |
Jim Bob
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 7:29 pm: | |
RT, We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
From your regular observations & writings plus this one, it sounds like Mom did a great job "raising" YOU! It also sounds like you are striving to do the same for your kids.
We always enjoy your stories and this one is no exception, though sad.
Even if you bus is not finished or it's not the "Taj Mahal", you should do that American Dream, even if it's 1 or 2 weeks at a time. Your kids will not remember the condition of the bus but they will later cherish the trip memories even if they complain at the time.
Jim & Sue Wilke |
Mike (Busone)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 11:19 pm: | |
Sorry to hear of your loss RT. It sounds like you have a great mom and lots of great memories. Thanks for sharing that story with us.
Mike |
shawn bennear (Lilneoplan)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 7:44 am: | |
RT, I am saddened to hear of the news on the loss of your mom. She sounded like a wonderful lady, and a very understanding mom who loved her son deeply.
I know you will miss her, but she will always be with you.
Shawn |
charlesseaton
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 8:59 am: | |
Very sorry to read of your loss. And I can tell from your writing, that your mother would have been just as good a neighbor to any of us as she was a mom to you. |
Cliff (Floridacracker)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 12:44 pm: | |
R.T.,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother.
Your Mom probably thought about all those buses like mine does about my bus, She thinks I am a little crazy, But funny enough she tells all her friends about it.
I really enjoy reading your stories, even when its sad. Your a great story teller.
I am sure there are many besides me who are reminded to give our "Moms' a long overdue call today.
"But I love those buses just because I have them"
As only a true Busnut could say it, and I am proud to include myself in your company.
Cliff |
ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 2:27 pm: | |
RT, your well-crafted thoughts have been appreciated throughout my bussin' experiences. I've long remembered what you wrote when your Uncle Sonny made his transition about him doing it his way. Maybe contributing to her son doing it his way was your Mother's way of doing it her way...
Thank you for your depth of thought in your posts and my condolences in these times.
-Chuck |
Greg Roberts (Gregeagle20)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 8:55 pm: | |
You only have one mom. You have inspired me to enjoy my mom while I can. I am going to drive the bus to Texas and pick my mom up and take her on a vacation. |
T. (Bluegrass)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 9:34 pm: | |
You are right Greg take her and do everthing that you can with her cause when she Is gone there wont be anything that will hurt you any worse than the fact that you had the chance to be with her and didn't. |
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