the cool air, and buy a popsicle or freeze pop. Sometimes we would just walk in to feel the cool air, even if we did not have any money. Air conditioning was still a luxury and our house did not have it. We tried to keep cool by setting ice in front of fans or waiting for a breeze through the window.

Since the air was so dry in Wyoming, many people had "swamp coolers." A swamp cooler was a box with material around the sides that would hold water. A pump constantly ran water down through the material, and a fan sucked air through the wet material and into the house. This really did cool a house.

The small grocery was today’s version of the mini mart, except that they also had produce. The wooden floors, the selection of great 1 Cent and 5 cent candy, the smell of cantaloupe and cardboard, leaves a strong memory in my mind.

Weber’s grocery was where I first found Dr. Pepper. At the time no one had heard of this soft drink, and I would usually have to dig around under the cabinets or in the back of the shelves to find one. They came in a glass bottle with a very rough texture. This was my most favorite drink until it became popular and they changed the taste.

On our many trips to Weber’s grocery as we walked pass Mr. Englebert and Mr. Egbert’s house, we would often see them sitting on the front porch or watering the front lawn with a hose and hand held nozzle. Of course I always stopped for a minute to say hello. Both were always very friendly and kind, and each time I grew a little more excited about getting to 6th grade.

Finally the day arrived, the 1st day of 6th grade. I was so happy. My desk was towards the back of the class, but I was keeping all my attention at the front where Mr. Egbert was welcoming us to his class.

I remember he gave us a welcoming speech that was humorous and motivating. I don’t remember what he said, I just remember that it made us feel good to be there in the 6th grade with Mr. Egbert.

I was in Mr. Egbert’s 6th grade. I was where I wanted to be.

6 weeks later, a substitute came to take Mr. Egbert’s Place. The principal came in with her and explained to us

that Mr. Egbert had experienced a heart attack. He was in the hospital, and we did not know how long he would be there.

This indeed was a sad event. It seemed that we had barely begun to know Mr. Egbert. The class all hoped he would be well and back with us soon.

As time went on over the next many many weeks, our substitute kept us updated on Mr. Egbert’s condition as he improved, and eventually came home from the hospital. The class was indeed happy about Mr. Egbert’s recovery, although we were told it was still unknown when he would return to teaching.

And then unexpectedly one night as he slept, Mr. Egbert was no longer on this Earth with us.

3 days later Mr. Egbert’s funeral was held. I begged my father to take me, so he did. The school was closed that day for the funeral, and when we arrived to the funeral home, there was such a crowd we had to stand outside and listen.

The wind was sharp, whipping around us as we stood there on the damp ground. The cold air seemed fitting for the dark overcast day. Every sound was clear and crisp and my fingers and nose were cold even though I tried to warm them with my breath and pockets.

Tears welled from my eyes, spilling down my face. Mr. Egbert was gone.

28 years later I still grieve his death. I wonder if I will ever be loved as much as Mr. Egbert was.

You can read all the chapters of "Tims Home Town Stories" by going to http://timshometownstories.com. Other stories written by Tim are at http://salessuccessmagazine.com These stories are copyrighted by Timothy L. Drobnick Sr. 1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000. Any person using this article must publish it without modification and include authors bio and links.

About the Author
Timothy L Drobnick Sr has helped many people make money on the internet. Websites to visit for income opportunity are yobisc.com, http://virusfreespamfree.com, and http://myshoppingplace.net.