There is a bridge from Memphis to Vietnam- and only I could see it.
The
Move: Life
as a military child involved being uprooted at a moment's notice. One
day
you're in California; a couple weeks later it's Memphis,
Tennessee. Though I'd
become used to moving, this time was different. My father was receiving
training that would take him out of town for weeks or months at a time.
Many of
my friends' fathers were already in Vietnam; I knew, at some
point, he'd be
with them.
This made the move that much more difficult. I have to admit- my first
few
weeks in town had been a blur. I can't say I paid attention to much of
anything. One day, when I was supposed to be at recess, I was standing
in the
hallway. One of the teachers confronted me- demanding, "What's with
you?
Got your head in the clouds?" To this, my teacher popped out of the
classroom, looked at the teacher and said, "Yes, he does. There you are Charles, I've got a
special assignment for you."
The Project: She walked me into the
room, toward the back- where she kept the butcher paper which she
dispensed off
of a large roll. "See this wall? It's the only blank spot I've got.
We're
going to be studying weather systems next week and I need an artist to
draw the
clouds."
She showed
me a graphic and asked, "Think you can draw this?" I
told her that I didn't know
if I was capable. She said, "Well- today you've got
a challenge then. You're my
cloud expert and I'm going to help you make
something spectacular."
For the next five days I spent the entire recess using pastel chalk to draw the cloud formations. I began with the low level nimbostratus and stratocumulus graduating to the altocumulus and altostratus. By the end of the week I was on tiptoe, finishing with the cirrus and cirrostratus. My crowning achievement was the cumulonimbus- the large thunder cloud; my teacher said I'd managed to take something fearful and turn it into a thing of beauty. I had to admit; I'd really surprised myself.
A cumulus cloudscape over Swifts Creek, Victoria, Australia
The Guest: Toward the end of the day I was treated to a surprise. The teacher was starting to unveil my masterpiece. Just as she was about to do so, everyone looked to the doorway. It was my father, dressed in his Air Force uniform- he entered the classroom saying, "I've come to look at my sons clouds." You'd have thought the President of the United States entered the room- my classmates were awestruck. I was surprised too- I didn't even know he was in town.
I was able to explain the different clouds, their altitudes and what they were associated with. My father smiled and when the teacher asked if there were any questions, someone asked my dad, "are you a soldier?" He said that he was. When someone asked if he was going to war, he said, "very soon."
My teacher told me this day had been her favorite in all of teaching. She gave me a hug and searched her purse for a tissue. I decided she was about as nice a person as I'd ever met.
Separation: The day may father went to war the sky was clear. I asked what he'd be doing in Vietnam and if people would be shooting at him. He told me he was going to be flying so high that it would be difficult. He got on his knee and whispered, I've got you to send me some clouds. I'll fly so high above them that no one will see me. I'd hoped for storm clouds. I'd heard pilots say that while everyone was being pelted by rain they'd be amid nothing but blue skies and a pillow below them.
The following days dragged. I felt powerless- I couldn't send a cloud but then I remembered that I could draw them. I'd lie on the back lawn and stare at the clouds- I concentrated to see if they seemed to move any quicker. This was going to be a very long year.
The
Map: One day I was
looking through my
father's collection of National Geographic magazines. I found
a world map and
discovered how far away Vietnam was. I folded the map at his city, Phan
Rang
and brought it over until it was next to Memphis. I taped this new map
together
and cut it so that it was small enough to fit in my pocket. I later
drew a bridge.
In my mind I could see a bridge that connected these two cities. Whenever we drove near the Mississippi River I'd imagine my father on the other side; I imagined that he had binoculars and could see me. I'd wave and he'd wave back. When the clouds were high I assumed we were looking at the same clouds. When the clouds rolled in the days passed more quickly.
Over the years I've built many bridges each one viewable only to me. Bridges to San Antonio and Charleston ... Phoenix and Sacramento ... St. Louis and Alpine ... in my mind these bridges have spanned as far as South America and as near as one town away.
There is a bridge from Memphis to Vietnam. And one day my father crossed it.
hey Chuck, what a beautiful, beautiful story... I feel honored to read it and know the young boy drawing clouds on the school wall... what a creative connection and healing for a young heart experiencing loss and separation... I once thought that we all, in some way, are bridgebuilders--- for ourselves, for humanity, for earth... our creative and compassionate hearts are the links between humanity and divinity. I feel your images and profound way of reaching out bring a gentle, comforting light to the land and the hearts wounded in war. Native Amercans have said that clouds reflect the soul of the river... your clouds reflect a bridge, hammered with heartbeats of love. Thanks again so much for sharing this, and may your father's day weekend greet you with much joy!
Chuck - This story really touched my heart and drew me into as if I was there witnessing it all. Wonderful writing! Thank you. If you don't mind, I thought of the song by the Judd's (Love Can Build A Bridge) and this poem! May you have a wonderful Father's Day with your beautiful family!!
Every day we build a bridge
It may reach anywhere
Across a stream or bed of rocks
No obstacle now there
Today I found a special bridge
That seemed to call to me
Picture perfect structure
Fulfills life's harmony
Walk across this special bridge
Love now gathers there
Compassion and a gentle smile
With friendship we declare
Join me on the other side
Our journey will begin
All will greet as heart repeats
Each step we take we win
No longer are we all alone
We join in peaceful prayer
Hands reach out to fill a space
With loyalty aware
Journey to the other side
With joy we reach the bend
Place our feet upon the earth
Where friendship has no end.
Poem "Building Bridges"
~Author Francine Pucillo~
Chuck- I just flagged this story for a feature. I am so impressed with your writing This post is absolutely geniune and heart filled. Tears came as I read this moving story of your dad going to Vietnam. My dad serves 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. I remember those Navy brat days very well. You write so many internet gadget posts that it came as a pleasant surprise to read your talented writing.
Very illustrative writing. Men are so visual... you painted a perfect picture. So many of my friends of the Vietnam era paint their pictures now with alcohol.
Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers here on Active Rain.
Beautiful story. I can understand the bridge because when I first came to this country I missed my parents and wished there was a bridge to India and that I could ride my bike to go and see them.
Mara- Thanks so much for your kind words... I didn't know that about the Indian's interpretation of the clouds. I recalled this event mostly when I began to realize that there was a great deal of my childhood that I didn't pay much attention too... for one- what a great teacher. I should track her down and tell her how much I appreciated her ability to sense a need.
Candace- I'm one of very few people (I'm betting) that hadn't paid attention to that song. What beautiful words they are- thanks so much for sharing that.
Katerina- I'm sure we both have many stories we could tell each other about this background of ours. It's true- I do tend to blog about other things much more than this. Most people tend to respond favorably to items that help them in some way- hence my inclination toward the shortcuts and tips. I was quite hesitant to post this- I even pulled it for a while ... mostly because it's about my dad and he's a private man who never speaks himself up.
Susie- I know exactly what you're talking about... I know my share who've gone that route. It's not the easiest memory to escape.
Gary- Thanks so much... I *did* have a great father's day.
Gita- Distance does tug at us, doesn't it? Anyone who has had to part ways both physically through a move or mortally has my full condolences. I'd read somewhere that relationships are the only things that really matter in this world because nothing stands independently. Of all relationships- there's nothing like family.
Chuck, I'll have to come back and read this. It's too emotional for me right now. Wow!
Mirela- Not a problem... matter of fact... I'm somewhat chagrined- I just noticed that my html didn't come in right. This post was devoid of apostrophes, quotation marks AND the last three sentences! ooooops.
Chuck, this is so beautiful! And yes, again, it made me cry (I tried reading it yesterday and couldn't).
It's just so lovely! ...So touching...
Thank you for writing it! I love the pictues! They really help tell the story.
Chuck, This is an amazing post... I did too reach for a tissue... What a great boy you were and what a beautiful mind. Your father was a great inspiration for you to grow up into a thoughtful, sensitive good human being.
I'll not forget this story, I know... I am sure your father crossed back that bridge from Vietnam to Memphis. You brought him back!
Chuck,
I couldn't help myself and flagged your post to be Featured on AR Featured Posts section... Hope to see it there!
Mirela- The photos were the hard part. The actual chalk poster is long gone- as is the map... so I had re-create them (an impossibility). I'm wondering if the "boy at the pier" picture set a somber mood... I didn't expect people to become teary eyed. I actually avoided the more nitty gritty... such as my mom dealing with a houseful of kids alone. She had a large calendar in the pantry where she literally counted down the days. I have so much respect for anyone who can maintain a household as a solo parent. It's an immense challenge.
Arina- One thing I admire about kids is their determination to fix things. If I were older I doubt I would have come up with my own way to bring my dad home. I'm not sure my attempts had much effect... I just felt I needed to do something. Thankfully, I can look back at the persons who did not squash my hopes... the teacher who chose to spend time as oppose to scold... my father for showing up at the school and giving me an assignment to help protect him. My mom gave me assignments as well... at some point I'll tell a story about something she did during this time period. As I see this blog as not exactly the best forum for posts like these I'll probably want to let some time pass before posting something too similar to this theme.
Chuck - This is a wonderfully written story about your dad and the "bridge". I am including TWO of your posts today in the Family Ties recap. Thanks!
Chuck, I feel very grateful to have been able to read this story and enter your childhood with you. You must have been extremely proud of your dad... he sounds like a wonderful man.
Jason- That's quite an honor; I'm humbled- there are so many great posts there.
Susan- I'm glad you enjoyed it and yes... he is a great man. This war was so long ago and he, like most people who experienced the war still has a hesitancy to talk about the experience.
Chuck - father's day posts are much easier to read after the day has passed.... yours however not so much - quite emotionally charged! even in the absence of the external influences of "That Day" Very touching indeed! and from all I hear and know to be true - military life is not an easy one. Thank You for sharing!
Chuck, Awesome post! I am so thankful for you that your dad came home to his family. Those were hard years to go through.
Teresa-Military life is like a roller coaster. There are tremendous highs... the pride and privilege of serving the country and the feeling that there are tremendouse people protecting us. Then there's the reality that lives can and will be lost in this same service. For the family it's something you mostly carry silently.
Doreen- Thanks... yes, they were agonizing years- but I'm not alone in this... hundreds of thousands were in the same situation- or worse.
Chuck - if this isn't one of the most moving stories I've ever read. I don't know how I missed it. While reading it I felt your child's heart.......I've always been fascinated by both clouds (Cumulous are my personal favorite)...and I remember spending hours on my back laying on a teetertotter....putting together clouds and images and dreams ....
How a child makes peace and meaning out of the events in their lives.........each child of course is different....but I can't imagine how it would have been having my dad go to war............well thats not true.........i can imagine - through your story I can imagine thinking similar things.........I too have moved a lot..........loved bridges and their symbolism............and had National Georgraphic magazines and maps colour and make sense of my world..............thanks Chuck..........very special story...
Hmm just went back and read this again........... mirela commented on the photos and frankly this time i didn't even see the ones on the screen I was busy seeing the ones in my imagination.....Its kind of strange, I flagged it too........then went back and saw that 2 other people did as well.......I wonder how many flags you need to get flagged......:-)
Liz- I'm flattered. I didn't expect this to strike a chord with anyone. I simply wanted to say "Happy Father's Day" in a less ordinary way. Regarding the"flagging" ... I'm unaware of how that process works. Though I don't see this post as have anything at all to do with real estate (and even pulled it for a day) I appreciate that it resonated with a few people.
tonnes of posts are flagged and featured that have absolutely nothing to do with real estate - time and time again -so thats definitely not the only criterion...although it wasnt the intent -it definitely can pertain to real estate - as I mentioned in the flag - help children to deal with relocation might be one way :-)
Liz- hmmmm... ok... just added a relocation tag. :-)
good plan - i see that got it flagged! NOT.....lol
Liz- I'm fine with this post being a little bit hidden... I didn't want to publish it at first as it's somewhat personal. I'm glad a few people found it and enjoyed it. I'll publish another one related to this time period a little later on.
Beautiful!