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As a writer, and fan of the B Westerns, I have always had a dream.
I look around, and the community I live in is smaller. Stands of trees cover areas of ground where I know houses, malls, and roads should be. The main street I drive everyday, is now a dirt road, and an elk welcomes me to my right. I move, the animal runs away. I kick up my feet, and I am a child! In wonder, I run a little, and my breath does not labor. I reach up to the lowest branch of a tree, and I cannot touch it. I jump up, and one hand quickly clasps the branch, I struggle, and I pull myself up. I can pull myself up. I climb the tree, and in the near distance, the sounds of a farmhouse greet me. The train tracks, only a hundred yards away, draw me near, and I respond. I jump down from the tree, and follow the tracks to the station. Milling workers from as far away as Winnipeg greet me. The smell of coal assaults my senses, and the sound of an approaching train meets my ears. A radio in the corner gets my attention. The sounds of Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, and the Andrews Sisters echo from the large oak speakers. "Last call for number 6, boarding at 1:10 pm for Calgary. Last call, gate 2." The hurried passengers rush towards their destination. They mill around the gate, and hand the conductor their tickets. Laughing, and smiling they step up to the lowest stair, and bid farewell to Red Deer. The station announcer booms out. "For those passengers waiting for the Edmonton special, there is a two hour delay. Complements of CPR, "The Ranger and the Lady", is being shown at the Red Deer Theatre. Just show your ticket for free admission." WOW! The Ranger and the Lady! I must be dreaming. Do I have a ticket? I must get one. I don't have any money for admission. It must cost almost 25 cents now. "Young man" an older gentleman speaks to me. I looked up at the kindly man. "Yes." He handed his ticket stub to me. "I don't really want to see the movie. Would you? I would appreciate the ticket back though. I haven't seen my grandchildren for almost a year now." I quickly snatch the ticket, and promise to return it. I was going to see one of my favourites on a real silver screen. WOW.
The copyright of the article A Dream Come True in Western Collectibles is owned by Tim Lasiuta. Permission to republish A Dream Come True in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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