Trevecca College (Now University) is the college that I went to for the first year+ of higher education. I was older than the "regular" students as I worked 3 years after high school. My loving "emotional" parents, Marie and Darrell, gave me the money for my first quarter's tuition. My biological "father" told me I was too stupid to go to college, and would not support me in any way.
Arriving the day before the Summer Session started, I was able to take a class, and stay in the Senior Dorm. It was a dream come true. I was finally "somewhere else." Wonderful, crazy times and I got to explore the college without the hoards of other students. I devoured all I could and basked in the glow of learning. I thought I had died and gone to heaven, especially inside the new Library building. I have always loved learning.
On my 22nd birthday, July 12, I received a call. I think it was Susan, but I can't be definite. (Not important anyway.) My brother, Charles, was missing. He had been taking his final tests in Yokohama to receive his pilot's license. He was a missionary in Japan, traveling quite a bit for the church, and decided flying would be easier and quicker.
The authorities "thought" he had crashed in the water surrounding the area, but he had not been close enough for that kind of "ditch." His airplane was found on July 15, his daughter's birthday, broken apart on the side of one of the mountains. Everything during the next few days is a blur. I remember being at the church for his service, but not much more.
Charlie, to me, was the ultimate brother. I thought he could walk on water; so smart he made mostly A's in college; and, knew everything. I remember being numb; going through the motions of talking with people, and yet trying to avoid everyone.
He was cremated in Japan and his ashes were placed in a niche in a garden there. At the time, they did not embalm nor bury bodies; not enough land. His wife and children came back to the US, without him. I know they are remembering him today, just as I remember Tom on April 7. My best wishes and prayers are focused on them today.
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