Lyndy & Jackson

Chapter - 2

Lyndy & Jackson;

Chapter 2

"When you become a man, carry 3 things in your pockets"!!

By: mike hurley

Jack started the old Chevy; it's 396 V8 Cubic inch engine, roared to life.  Last year for Jacks birthday, Amy & Ty bought him a re-built engine to put in the old gal.  A new engine, battery, starter, and radiator were all installed by Jack and Ty. Sort of a father & son project. They spent countless hours bringing new life to the truck. Amy asked to be involved too. Ty showed her how to replace the fuel line from the gas tank to fuel pump, on into the engine compartment, up to where it tied into the manifold.  Amy had heard stories & seen photos of her grandma Lyndy replacing 2 truck engines in 5 days. Amy missed her grandma & working on an old truck Lyndy bought for Jack was heart warming for her. Amy put on a pair of coveralls & wore a red bandana over her hair, just like Lyndy did in be old photo. Marvin's son Jason ran a collision shop in Hudson, Lou arranged a new paint job.   With Georgie driving now, the extra vehicle on the ranch came in real handy.  After all the repairs & painting were completed, Jack & Ty drove her up the mountain to visit Lyndy & Marion at the little family cemetery.  Lou, Amy, Lisa, Little Lyndy, Georgie, Katie, Tim, and Remi piled in the back with a big lunch packed for a picnic. Georgie, Katie, and Tim put together two big flower arrangements for Lyndy and Marion's graves. It was a beautiful day the entire family shared.

Jack drove behind ‪the ranch house‬ & started up the two-track that wound its way up through dense forest into the upper meadow.   Many modern vehicles did not have the power, suspension, or clearance to navigate the old farm road. The Chevy purred along in 2nd gear like it was a mountain lion out for a leisurely stroll. 

Jack had the windows down, a gentle summer breeze blew through the cab, carrying scents of pine, poplar, summer grasses, and wildflowers.  Two honey bees flew through  & paused momentarily on the dashboard, looked at Jack then flew out. A monarch butterfly stopped by for a visit, landing on Jacks hand.  He watched the little creature, groom itself, then a smile and painful memory both filled Jacks mind.  The monarch flew up around Jacks head, seemingly beckoning Jack to follow. In a moment it fluttered out the window; danced on a ray of sunshine peeking through the poplar trees. It came back in the truck, landed on the steering wheel, turned and fluttered out the window again, this time Jack followed it.

Jack followed the butterfly, in his mind; through an aspen grove, around a giant pine tree, to the passenger seat of a 1968 Pontiac, many decades ago.

Jack, steel radials are noisy, they ride rough after sitting, and are expensive. They always look low on air. I just can't see any reason to pay $25.00 more per tire for steel, Bill said.  I don't know Bill, Jack replied. Every time I turn around, Lyndy has a flat tire in the Buick.  I don't want my wife broke down on the side of the hwy.   Marvin swears steel radials will reduce my flats by 80%. I'm all ready stressed out with this baby coming, Marv has a sale starting next weekend on GoodYears.  I just don't want my wife having to change a flat on the side of the highway!!

I understand Jack, Bill said.  But, you know, it is ironic that Lyndy is not only a first rate musician, she is probably the best auto mechanic in Alberta and could change all 4 tires on a car in the time you and I could each change one.

Jack laughed, I know Marv, Lyndy is a pretty amazing woman.  You are one lucky guy Jackson, replied Bill.

How long has Marv worked at Canadian Tire he asked Jack. Well, let's see we graduated in '62. I think he started working part time in '60; so 8 years. Hey, Jack do you remember we drove into town back in Junior year, we were going to pick up Marv @ Canadian ‪around 4:00‬, he was getting off work. That cute little brunette, Sally Baker from High River had a flat rear tire 2 blocks away. Marv had a crush on her & comes pushing that jack on wheels down Chestnut St.  Jack took over the story; yes!!  steep downhill & that tire jack got away from Marv & took off 80 mph & knocked her front wheel right off.  So much for Marv asking that girl out. Her dad comes driving up in his Caddy!! Totally not cool!! Jack & Bill burst out laughing.