Texas Traveler

I have been friends and fellow workmate of Debby Keslar, a transplant from Texas. She was a baker in the United States Navy and another employee of Frick Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Over the years, we’ve laughed and cried together until we’ve both retired. I’ve become good friends with her husband and her two daughters. One family member I hadn’t met was her brother James Curtis who still lives in Texas with his wife Jodi.

James and I became Facebook pals, corresponding back and forth, sharing posts, and generally teasing Debby. That changed last evening when he made a planned stopover at Debby’s. I got an invitation to stop over to eat some sauerkraut chocolate cake and chew the fat. James and his friend “Dragon” were on a return trip from New England where they are trying to set up new chapters for the guardians of children from abuse. He is very passionate and travels long distances on a shoestring budget to help ensure the safety and protection for these young people who are unable to defend themselves. James and his wife reside in Big Spring, Texas and his travel companion Dragon lives across the border in New Mexico.

Because we’d shared so much on Facebook, it was like meeting an old friend, kind of like slipping into a pair of well-worn slippers of moccasins after a long day on the feet. Stories flowed back and forth across the kitchen table. There were a few serious notes, but it was mostly laughter and sharing memories. I learned more about this dedicated man and his compadre. I’d never met Dragon before and it was great listening to this Vietnam Vet share some of his tales. James was a Marine sniper and being a military vet added another bond.

I left early. It was time for the family to reconnect before the troops packed up and left Debby’s the next morning. They had an assigned meeting in Oklahoma the next day. A long, arduous, trip ahead, be safe and God keep you both.