Posted on 06/06/2004 12:03:57 AM PDT by PropertyRightsResearch.org
The Lady Truck Driver and The Gipper - and - The Man That Was, Is and Will Always Be: Reagan
June 5, 2004
By Julie Kay Smithson
propertyrights@earthlink.net
Late one autumn Sunday evening during "the Reagan Years", I loaded twenty-one tons of rolled paper at a small manufacturer located in Dixon, Illinois, President Reagan's boyhood home. Ready to depart, I asked the shipping clerk if it would be possible for me to drive near Ronald Reagan's home on my way out of town. He chuckled and said that it would not only be possible, but also that I would have no trouble going right by The Gipper's home.
Directions were simple; I had only to drive two blocks and turn right, the home would be mid block on my left.
I will never forget driving slowly down that small-town residential street with my semi tractor-trailer, only my parking lights on so as not to disturb the neighbors. Still in my twenties, I held this most special fortieth President in very high esteem, having seen the profoundly positive impact he had on America from coast to coast. Never had I seen so many American flags flying -- some of large size proudly displayed even at night with spotlights in front yards and businesses. It seemed as though America were celebrating the Fourth of July every day, so grateful we were for this truly great man at our country's helm. Even what appeared to be Victory gardens of beautiful flowers seemed to be everywhere in bloom.
The house was a two-story frame, clad in white, its only distinction from the other middle class homes being the white sign out front that bore the simple words:
BOYHOOD HOME OF PRESIDENT Ronald Wilson Reagan HIS FORMATIVE YEARS
Not knowing what I had expected to find, my trusty camera captured the moment, and then I was, in the words of Willie Nelson, "on the road again."
The night breeze was cool, the night clear and the moon lighting my way better almost than the headlights. I pondered the experience I'd just had, having driven a semi truck past the home of a boy who'd grown up to become an actor, governor and then, Commander-in-Chief. The air was still pregnant with anticipation and hope for our great country; we were going to make it, after Vietnam, after all.
That night was more than two decades ago, but it remains fresh in my memory. Just being in the same place where such a great man had spent his childhood years carries with it a sense of honor.
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The Man That Was, Is and Will Always Be: Reagan
June 5, 2004
By Julie Kay Smithson
propertyrights@earthlink.net
Coke doesn't have the market cornered on "the real thing." America had a President with a spine and moral fibre, a champion of people and a lover of simple beauty and the spirit of a beautiful horse.
This man, Ronald Wilson Reagan, had class and charisma, faith and the cherished work ethic.
Full of the spirit of life, faith and joy from within: our Gipper.
How could anyone picture Ron without Nancy?
Never did so many American flags fly so proudly as during your years in office; never were people so grateful to have a true President of the People.
Paddle on, Ronnie. You've found a safe harbor. God bless you; you never said "God Bless America" that you didn't really, REALLY mean it.
Property rights activists and responsible resource providers, let's thank Ron by winning back America "for the Gipper."
Thank you for the great story
Thank you.
Thanks so very much...I just shared your experience, driving past RR's boyhood home with the same emotions. Sitting here, crying.
That's all I can say to is Thank-you this is GREAT.
My tagline is my favorite quote:
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