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| Randy, Ronnie & Rick Williams...Sierra's 1970's |
The molding of our lives... As we reflect upon our past,
perhaps no element has greater influence than that of time. The obvious is that
the greater the amount of time, the greater potential for more life experiences
and more people connected to our lives. And yet with those literal thousands of
connections, only a few will make an impact of significance. Such is a man in
my life whom I had the privilege to call 'Uncle Ron'. This is his molding of this
boys life.
Ronald Kenneth Williams was my biological father's 'kid'
brother. A mere eighteen months separated the two. From stories that I've heard,
not much else did. In fact, even at the end of my father's life in 2010, he and
'Ronnie' would frequently talk to one another on Saturdays.
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| Rick & Ronnie...1940's |
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| Rick & Ronnie...1980's |
All but one of my memories of Ronnie takes place in or in
close proximity to Red Oak, Iowa, a place that would become like a second home
for this kid. Even several of the journeys to this small southwest Iowa town
aboard my grandfather’s semi are unforgettable experiences for this Southern Californian
raised boy. Upon arrival one of my earliest memories occurs at the large city pool,
which included a couple islands out in the middle. One by one we would climb
atop his shoulders to then be catapulted high into the air, screaming with such
excitement that would only end due to the soon approaching splash, which was
excitement all its own. I could never see my own smile, but I know that his
expressed the same joy that both I and my cousins were experiencing.
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| Ronnie & Joann...motorcycle adventure |
Other memories include the seemingly endless games of Yahtzee
around the dining room table or 'ditch em' through the nearby yards and fields.
And from his backyard I would have my very first experiences of riding a motor
bike. I would never master these skills quite like that of my cousin Randy, but
it is a love that carries to this day. In fact at this moment I find myself 35,000 feet in the air, heading toward Tulsa to pick up my newest motorcycle, a 1800
Goldwing. Let the 'touring' begin! Which reminds me of his love of seeing what's 'around the next corner', another attribute that has followed me all of my days.
Early in those trips to Red Oak we would climb into Ronnie's
camper with boat attached and be off to 'Big Lake' Missouri. The journey to Big
Lake included the thrill of watching Ronnie steer the truck with his 'suicide
knob'. Why a 'thrill', I really have no idea, I just know it remains so in my
memory. Then there was the climb into the bed above the cab, three skinny
cousins enjoying the view, laughter and friendship. Camping and learning to water ski...both of which would become a lifelong
loves for myself and mine own family.
The only memory away from southwest Iowa is a trip
that Ronnie, Joann and Randy made one summer to visit us in California. We
enjoyed time around our pool, sites around Los Angeles and then before they returned,
some camping in Sequoia National Park. From here I was able to join them in
what would become my last boyhood trip to Red Oak. Having my driver’s permit I
too would do some of the driving and experience the thrill of what was 'around the
next corner'.
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| Rick, Ali Jo, Joann and Ronnie...June 2013 |
The saying, "All good things must come to an end",
occurred in June of 2013. Because of the counsel of one wise man I retired
earlier that year. With such, one goal was a 'Bucket List' motorcycle ride to
the College World Series in Omaha. As great a joy that those games provided,
none was greater than to spend eight days with a man who so helped to mold this
man's life. Pulling out of the driveway on June 22nd was one of the most
difficult of goodbyes. And a final goodbye it would be as Ronnie would breathe
his last in December of 2013. And though his last breath has past, his
character that is so etched within mine has not. At least not until I see
what's 'around the next corner'.
