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In the Urbua tribe of
Africa
, children are named not only at birth but throughout their lives by their characteristics and the events that befall them. (Taken from a forward for the poem, “Naming My Daughter,” from the book of poetry by Patricia Fargnoli, Necessary Light, copyright 1998 University of
Nebraska
.
Naming Park West Travelers: Grand Expedition, 2008
The ones who met in
Grand Junction
Those from the East, the West, the South and the North
“He’s” and “She’s” who first learned to trust and then, even love the Fay’s
Multi-Mike,
New York
“Twin” who carried fine cigars and sweet Ginny, she who giggled and disliked Moose Drool. AAA travelers; tellers of tales
Judge Mike (“Patton”) in Ohio Cessna, he with flat nose wheel, hearty humor, and classy Chris, welcoming hostess; wine and in-room-coffee server. Lovers of life and grandbabies.
Connecticut Tim, video-man, humble judge, who pushed the broom in Joseph, with Carol, lover of fine food, lost umbrella and scotch rung up as candy.
MN Stan, he of Perspective, whose co-pilots came and went, who favored speed and new airplanes, and Jason, good son who never complained when the temperature climbed. Driver of vans, cold swims and star-gazer. And
Sharon
, the one who baked, the topless one. Co-pilot who is also new grandmother.
Maryland Rob, well-tanned sport pilot,
Lt.
Col
and son-extraordinaire, with D.C. Dick, the (well-tanned, too!) dad whose stamina impressed us all.
Atlanta John, in Beechcraft Bonanza, the one who v-tailed it north, with precision. And Stephanie, spotter of “cheeeeepmoooonks” who dazzled us with her skirts, giraffe purse, fine legs and good stories.
Moose Bob of
Reno
, fine fixer of airplanes. He who flies low and slow with Leslie, old-fashioned only in her choice of liquor. She who flew and loved diet coke. The blue-eyed couple who took home soap Teddy Bears.
Diane, in her Cirrus, who hiked with Charles from
Maryland
, lovers of adventure, late dinners and good lattes. New Yorkers turned dudes!
Chet, Dakota Piper, South Carolina groom and teacher, celebrating fifty years with Winnie, gymnast and scholar; she of kind eyes and warm heart.
Cessna Collin
,
Colorado
boy, calm voice in our headsets. Lover of geysers and Marisa, ever-ready smiler, flute music player and friend, who mothered and advised, inspired and endeared herself to all of us.
Park West shall remain in our hearts forever!
THANK YOU, COLLIN AND MARISA!
Sharon Dardis, 8-19-08
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