Saturday, October 8, 1910
"Come on, Mr. Windsor; please take one more sip of soup." Benny pleaded as he held the spoon to his lips.
He shook his head. "No. I've had enough to eat." He coughed. "Go get ready."
"But Mr. Windsor you need…."
"Benny don't argue with me" he said with as much of a teacher tone as he could muster with his frail voice. To emphasize the charge he used his fleeting strength to push the bowl away. Benny withdrew it and placed it on the small nightstand beside Mr. Windsor's bed.
"Benny, I want you to take a bath, brush your teeth, put on your Sunday best and be back here in thirty minutes. I'll nap in the meantime. Wake me up so I can inspect you."
Benny was hesitant.
"Young man if you are not back here in thirty minutes I am going to have you write 'I will respect Mr. Windsor' one hundred times on the blackboard."
Benny's face fell. He turned to the door. He paused. "Mr. Windsor, we don't have a blackboard."
He chuckled, "I know that, Benny, I was teasing. Now then, when I am released from this mortal prison and I go to Heaven I will do so knowing that you are bright, obedient, self reliant and amiable: which by the way was your vocabulary word yesterday. Give me the definition before you get cleaned up."
Benny smiled. "Amiable: To conduct oneself in a friendly, sociable and pleasant fashion."
Mr. Windsor nodded. "That's right. Now go."
Thirty minutes later Benny returned looking like a respectable young man.
Mr. Windsor admonished him, "Fix your tie."
Benny nodded. "Yes, sir." He straightened it.
Michael Conrad stood next to Benny. Ross Watson and Larry Hall stood on the other side. They each grabbed a pole which had been built on to the bed at the headboard and footboard.
"Mirror, please." Mr. Windsor said.
Beverly Taylor held a mirror over his head.
"I've never worn makeup before but, Mrs. Taylor you done a marvelous job."
She wiped a tear away. "Thank you, sir."
Nurse Westbrook placed a pair of dark sunglasses over his eyes.
Mr. Windsor swallowed. "I'm ready."
Ross yelled, "Men? Now."
The bedroom shook, a little dust fell down from the rafters. The wall nearest the footboard began to slowly lower like the drawbridge of a castle. It was being pulled down by two groups of men using ropes thereby exposing the dank, foul smelling bedroom to the green front lawn and the clear blue sky above it.
A large crowd of town folk began to clap.
Mr. Windsor's bed was carried through a long gauntlet of well wishers. He struggled to wave with his very shaky right hand. The bed was carried up a long ramp to a small stage about two feet high. In the middle of the stage were wooden planks arranged to resemble a right triangle. The men carefully attached it to the structure so that Mr. Windsor rested at an angle but it seemed as though he was attempting to stand up.
The large audience kept cheering and clapping until Mr. Windsor made the motion for them to have a seat.
He smiled and meekly whispered, "Thank you, thank you."
He lightly tapped the breast pocket of his coat. Benny reached in and took out a folded series of papers.
Benny cleared his throat as he read. "Good afternoon. Thank you, friends for this magnificent display of effusion. Two Saturdays ago, my little friend Jake Watson asked me if I had one big wish for my seventieth birthday what would it be?
I replied I would want to live to see this community and the people that I love prosper.
Unfortunately, that is not going to happen because, as you can plainly see, I am dying. I am losing this fight against tuberculosis. I will soon depart to join the heavenly choir.
Please, don't feel sad for me. I am looking forward to being released from this pitiful body. I look forward to seeing my parents, my brothers and sisters, and most of all, my dearly departed wife Charlotte and our two beauties, Laurel and Judith Ann.
Time is the only irreplaceable resource. I am running out of time. As I gaze into the cherubic faces of children I am gratified because I know that time is on their side. They have many years ahead of them.
When I see the faces of old friends, I am confident that their memories will be pleasant as they recall the time well spent; buttressed by hard work, optimism and fear of the Lord.
Children, you are the shoots. Your parents are the wheat. And I am the chaff which must soon blow away. That is the cycle of life: birth, death, heritage.
In a way, this is my funeral. I realize that tradition dictates that a funeral be held once someone has passed on, however, tradition isn't all its cracked up to be. Tradition is useful as an instrument to remind people of finer things and ideals beyond themselves; however, it is an ever present temptation in society for folks to use tradition as a crutch; an excuse to impede progress.
In April of last year, this town had a special election. The teachers were concerned that the continually increasing number of children in each of the four classrooms was making their jobs more difficult. Councilwoman Amy Arlington suggested that a small property tax be implemented to fund an addition to the existing schoolhouse and the hiring of two new teachers. The measure passed and a few weeks ago, children in Eagle Creek went to a schoolhouse with six classrooms instead of four. The traditional system of placing students in classrooms by grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12, is outdated. The new system of grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 is a vast improvement. The classes are smaller and the teacher can focus on twelve students instead of twenty.
I am relieved that the education in Eagle Creek is so highly valued because it wasn't always that way.
I moved here in 1881, after my Charlotte died. One of my goals upon moving to Eagle Creek was the establishment of a permanent school. The town's population in 1880 was recorded as being 82. The children were taught mostly at home by their mothers until they were mature enough to work on the farm. It had been this way since the first homesteaders arrived forty years earlier. When I asked Mayor Rafe Tallard, who had been in office for less than a year, why the town lacked a school he could not provide a reasonable answer except a lack of funds.
My new house was already paid for so I volunteered to teach without receiving money until the town could afford to employ me properly. I would be paid in food and services.
Rafe and I went out to each farmhouse in the valley and found near unanimous support for the idea.
A week later, the Eagle Creek Baptist Church on Main Street took on double duty as Eagle Creek School.
I had six children, ranging from age seven to fourteen. That first year was rather rough, however, the next year I had ten children. The third year, I had a proper schoolhouse and a salary. The years drifted by. The town's population exploded to 895. At the end of the 1908 school year, when my health began a severe deterioration, I resigned from the profession which Providence chose for me.
For the last two years, I have been very ill. God sent Benny into my life several months ago and," Benny stopped reading. He choked up. "I consider him…." He couldn't read any more.
Benny wiped several tears from his eyes. Crystal Hines brought him a glass of water. He drank it.
"Thank you, ma'am."
Benny cleared his throat. "I consider Benny to be my grandson. Jake took careful notes of my wish. It's not proper to make a written birthday wish however, I wanted to see certain people do certain things.
In a sense, this is a surprise party because I don't know all the details of what I'll see tonight. However, I know what I want. I want to climb Mount Nebo and see the Promised Land. This event would have been more exciting as a surprise party but in my weakened condition such a surprise might do more harm than good. Also, advanced knowledge of the event gave me time to rest enough for it and prepare my remarks.
Thank you, friends, for your efforts."
More clapping.
Benny quietly stepped off of the stage.
Mayor Tallard stepped to the stage and put his arm around Mr. Windsor.
"Council men and Council woman, Comptroller Gumble, and citizens of Eagle Creek. I move that we create a new holiday to be celebrated on the third Saturday in August, one week before the school year begins. This holiday will be memorialized not by reflection but by action.
The citizens of Eagle Creek, from the least to the greatest, will voluntarily gather at Eagle Creek School to beautify the campus. Grass will be cut, paint will be touched up and other light maintenance will be performed to ensure that the children in our community learn in a beautifully landscaped facility. The day will end with a banquet honoring our teachers and publically demonstrating our support for their efforts in the coming months.
The cost to establish this new holiday will be: zero dollars and zero cents.
This day shall be known as Abraham Windsor Day.
All in favor say, 'Aye.'"
The council members and Comptroller Gumble stood up and gave a unanimous "Aye."
"Let the town record show that the vote was four to nothing. The measure is passed."
He leaned down and hit the gavel on the floor of the stage.
The crowd applauded.
Abraham Windsor gave a faint smile. "Thank you, Mayor Tallard."
Mayor Tallard nodded. "You're welcome."
Principal Janet Hall walked to the stage and stood behind a podium on Mr. Windsor's right.
"The Eagle Creek High School Class of 1913 will now arise."
Benny along with two girls and two boys stood up.
Jake put on the record Pomp and Circumstance: March One in D by Edgar Elgar.
Janet Hall announced, "The first to receive a diploma… Carl Seymour Adams."
Carl, wearing a deep purple gown and a square cap walked up on the stage.
He received his diploma, which in reality was a forged diploma, since the graduation was only a play.
"Wednesday Buchanan."
Wednesday, looking her finest, also went to the stage to receive her diploma.
Darren Rhoten and Catherine Warren were next to receive their diplomas.
"And, last but not least, graduating at the top of his class, Abraham Benjamin Clayton."
The audience gave Benny a standing ovation.
Mr. Windsor was overcome with pride.
As Benny walked across the stage he stopped to kiss his dear friend on the forehead. "Thank you, sir."
"That's my boy!"
Benny received his fake diploma and took a seat in the last of five chairs.
"On behalf of the mayor and the Sheridan County Department of Education I would like to congratulate the class on a job well done. You are dismissed."
The graduates tossed their caps into the air. They cheered and hugged each other.
Benny walked up on stage and handed Abraham his diploma holder. It did not contain a diploma but rather a proclamation. Benny scurried back off the stage.
A record began to play.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is Montana Governor Edwin L. Norris.
By a special proclamation of the state senate, Abraham Windsor of Eagle Creek is hereby acknowledged as an outstanding citizen. His efforts and his devotion to education launched the town from a sparsely populated gathering of farms into a modern collection of industrious, educated and extraordinary citizens.
Thank you, Abraham Windsor, for all of your efforts.
I have two new friends with me who would like to say a few words."
Emily and Lynn's voice came through the speaker.
"Hello Mr. Windsor."
He chuckled, "Hello girls."
Lynn said, "I never had you as a teacher but I have benefited from your endeavors. Thank you, sir."
Emily's said, "Mr. Windsor, I thoroughly enjoyed the three years I spent as your student.
My friend Lynn and I are travelling the state making a film about the geography and the many cultures of Montana. We are having so much fun but no matter where we go we will always carry with us the dear hearts and lessons learned from our days in Eagle Creek.
I wish I could be there in person to express my gratitude; however, my duties keep on the road. I remember how you always encouraged your students to be thrifty and keep their commitments. I've made a commitment to the people of this state and I will carry it out to the end."
Mr. Windsor nodded. "I appreciate that, Emily."
Emily continued, "I hope to see you again when this film project is ended and I can make my way back to Eagle Creek. However, if the Lord has different plans that's ok too; my life as the lives of so many others, will serve as a reminder of what people can accomplish when goodness is their goal.
May God richly bless you."
The recorded ended.
Jake held up a large sign which read: "1915."
Benny walked back on the stage. He was wearing a fancy suit and a fake mustache. He pointed at it: "Not too shabby considering I grew in less than a minute."
Mr. Windsor laughed and stroked his beard.
Benny walked hand in hand with a young lady in a wedding gown.
Mr. Windsor wore a big smile.
They stood in front of Mr. Windsor. Preacher Sam joined them on stage.
"Wednesday Cynthia Buchanan do you take Abraham Benjamin Clayton to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold in sickness and health 'til death do you part?"
She turned to the crowd and crossed her fingers to remind them that they were acting.
The audience laughed.
Wednesday replied, "I do."
"And do you Abraham Benjamin Clayton take Wednesday Cynthia Buchanan to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold in sickness and health 'til death do you part?"
Benny crossed his fingers too and waved to the audience.
They laughed again.
Sam said, "Then by the power invested in me by the…."
"Wait! Wait! Wait!" said Mr. Windsor forcefully.
He reached over and took the gold wedding ring off of his left hand. He motioned for Benny to come near. He whispered something in his ear.
Benny chuckled. He stepped back into his position and addressed the audience. He held up the ring.
"Mr. Windsor says I should have this now and use when I find a real bride someday."
Sam said again, "Then by the power invested in me…."
Benny interrupted him and turned to the audience. "Not that I wouldn't want to really marry Wednesday. She is pretty and all, but we only met a couple of days ago and, well, she's already got a boyfriend."
The audience gave Benny a silly disappointing "Ahh."
Benny shrugged. "Oh well, at least I get to kiss her."
The audience laughed.
"And it's my first kiss too! How about that?"
Sam was playfully exasperated, "Are you through?"
The audience was in hysterics.
Benny swished his mouth. "Yeah. Let's get going so I can have some cake."
"Then by the power invested in me by the Almighty Lord and the State of Montana- I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride."
Benny greatly enjoyed his first kiss. Wednesday had had better.
The record player played the Wedding March by Richard Wagner.
Nurse Westbrook put some rice in Mr. Windsor's hand.
Benny and Wednesday bent down. He tossed it as far as he could.
The fake newlyweds ran a gauntlet of rice throwers and ran towards the house.
Mr. and Mrs. Clementine brought out a cake with two lit candles: 7 and 0.
They began singing For He's A Jolly Good Fellow but a few words into the song, Mr. Windsor said, "Wait! Wait! Wait!" He took a moment to breathe.
He whispered something in Mrs. Clementine's ear.
Mrs. Clementine turned to the crowd. "Mr. Windsor asks, 'Is anyone else having a birthday today?'"
A little boy jumped up and down. "Me! Me! Me! I'm six-years-old today."
"Mr. Windsor says he'll give you the biggest slice if you blow out the candles for him."
The audience gave an envious "Wooo!"
The little boy ran up on stage. Mr. Windsor held his hand. He blew out the candles.
The crowd cheered and once again began singing, For He's A Jolly Good Fellow.
Jean and Will began slicing the cake.
Fifteen minutes later, when the last piece was served, Jake held up another sign: 1917.
Nurse Westbrook began scrubbing Mr. Windsor's hand with soap and alcohol. She covered his mouth with a sheer cloth napkin. She whispered something in his ear. He nodded. "Ready."
Wednesday and Benny returned to the stage dressed in normal attire.
The audience clapped.
Benny now sported a fake beard which made his chin itch. He turned to the audience.
He pointed at the beard and made the sign for "Thumbs up or thumbs down?"
There was a mixed response.
Wednesday, Benny's bride of fifteen minutes walked with him carrying a baby.
When Jean saw them she pointed at her tummy and whispered to Wednesday, "It's not that easy, kid!"
Benny shrugged. "She didn't have any problems."
The Clementines laughed.
The happy fake parents stood beside Mr. Windsor.
Benny carefully moved Mr. Windsor's right hand. He gently stroked the baby's forehead and cheek.
Benny said with pride, "His name is Abraham Walker Clayton."
Mr. Windsor was thrilled. "I haven't touched a baby in years. I forgot how smooth their skin could be." He hemmed and hawed. "Who is he really?"
Wednesday had tears in her eyes. " "This is my new baby brother, Wendell Jay Buchanan."
Mr. Windsor smiled. "Hello, Wendell. Thank you for pretending to be my great-grandson." He looked to Benny and chuckled, "That beard looks like the hide of a grizzly bear."
Benny took off the beard and the mustache.
Abraham snickered, "The only reason I have one is because I got too weak to shave. Children, this has been one of the happiest days of my life." His eyes grew heavy. " "I wish I could personally thank each person who helped out tonight." His head grew weary. "I appreciate this party to show me the world that I will miss."
Benny tapped his shoulder. "You've got just one more present. It won't take but a minute."
Some men on the stage picked up the prop that held Mr. Windsor's bed. They moved it 90 degrees to the left.
Mr. Windsor was awestruck. "Oh my."
Benny whispered, "I remember you told me how much you missed watching the sun set."
"Beautiful, Benny, it's beautiful."
The billowing clouds set the grand finally in a myriad of spectacular colors. Mr. Windsor strained to keep his eyes open so he could enjoy the view.
Michael Conrad stood on the stage. He opened his mouth to sing. The rest of the audience followed his cue.
To love someone more dearly every day,
To help a wandering child to find his way,
To ponder o’er a noble thought and pray,
And smile when evening falls,
And smile when evening falls:
This is my task.
When Michael turned back around, Mr. Windsor was sound asleep.
Benny kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, Mr. Windsor. Sweet dreams."
