For a week straight all my father did was talk about Aunt Ruth and her upcoming graduation. He and his little sister were always so close. He would never admit it, but my grandmother told me that he cried off and on for days when she left for college. Father was worried about Ruthie, he still called her by her childhood nickname, traveling all the way to Cambridge, Massachusetts on her own. He never really understood why she chose to go to medical school so far away. There were so many colleges to choose from on the west coast, that it seemed silly to him to travel so far away from everything she knew.
As a five year old, I think I was more excited about the trip across the country than I was to meet my aunt for the first time. Father was able to take two weeks off of work for the trip. My parents decided that since we were having to drive all that way we might as well make a few stops along the way and see some sights. They had the entire route planned, the first stop was the Grand Canyon.
I think that our trip to the Grand Canyon is what truly sparked my fascination for history. But the reason is not what one would think.
I recall watching what would end up being one of the final runs of the Kolb Brothers film at the visitors’ center. Listening to Emery Kolb narrating the film transported the Canyon visitors back in time to when hikers and mule caravans would stop at the Kolb Studio on the South Rim to get their picture taken before heading off on their expeditions. The film only showed twice a day so it drew a crowd each showing even without the visitors being aware of its pending retirement. As the viewers dispersed from the film area I was bumped into a couple of times by people not paying attention for small children. “Mommy, why can’t I be taller so people notice me? That lady's ring just scratched my arm,” I whined at my mother, who was holding my hand as to not lose me in the crowd. Just then I saw a teenager walking very fast towards me and sure enough, he nearly knocked me to the ground before catching my bare arm to brace my fall.
June 30, 1956 Los Angeles International Airport
Releasing from a hug with my dear friend, Emmett. I had gone to the airport to see him off on his way back to Kansas City. “I’m sorry that James was so sour as we left.”
“Ruby, don’t you worry. I know how frustrating it must be for him. After all, his whole life, he has been the one watching after you and now it’s the other way around. I could stay another week if you’d like?”
“Emmett, as much as we’d love for you to stay, you know as well as I do that he’s not going to change his attitude in a week.” I reply with a sad smile.
Emmett looks right at me with his kind coffee colored eyes, “I’m sure after some time passes he’ll find ways to be more self sufficient. After all, it’s just a wheelchair and he’s too stubborn to just let his little sister take care of him.” We both laugh as Emmett walks towards the exit to the tarmac to board the Transworld Airlines flight back to Kansas City.
1975
“I’m so sorry, kiddo!” He makes sure that I’m steady before letting me go. “Sorry, ma’am, I didn’t mean to knock your daughter down. I’m just in a rush. I’m going to meet my folks to take a tour by helicopter!”
“Well, that sounds like fun,” my mother replies. “You might want to pay a little more attention to where you’re running around here though.” He smiles at her and looks down at me, his eyes almost the same color as the rootbeer float that I had that afternoon. “Your mom is one smart lady. Make sure that you listen to her.” With that he turns and walks a little slower off into the distance.
Mom never missing an opportunity to teach me a lesson, discreetly walked dad and me over to learn about the different types of accidental deaths that have occurred at the Grand Canyon.
We learned about falls, heat exhaustion, and other accidental ways that people have perished at the magnificent national park. My mother pointing out how young children need to stay close to their parents because the danger was so great.
It was as if a magnet was drawing me towards this plaque. As I slowly let go of my mother's hand to look at the history of the plane crash. At 5 years old I could not read what it said. "Mommy, what's this one say? What happened to these people?"
"Jade, I was just telling you how important it is for you to hold my hand and the first thing you do is let go!" my mother scolded as she walked over to read me the piece of history.
“The Grand Canyon mid-air collision occurred on June 30, 1956, when a United Airlines Douglas DC-7 struck a Trans World Airlines Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation over the Grand Canyon National Park. All 128 on board both flights perished, making it the first commercial airline crash to result in more than 100 deaths.”
"Emmett. Emmett died?" I whispered with deep sadness.
"What honey? Who's Emmett?"
“And James. Just months later, he died too. We were so sad.” I continued, not hearing my mother’s question. It was as if I was in a trance.
“Jade. What are you talking about?” My mother had now crouched down to look me in the eyes. She grabbed my arms and gave me a little shake. “Bill, what in the world is she talking about? Who’s Emmett? And James?” My father placed his hand on my mother’s shoulder, “No clue, Nancy. She’s probably just playing with you. Come on, let’s head outside.”
Suddenly, I feel my dad’s strong hand wrap around my little fingers as we start walking toward the exit of the museum.
My mom, still very curious about Emmett and James, continues asking herself aloud who I could possibly be talking about. “The old neighbor’s they had a kid….no, his name was Jake.”
“Bill, I don’t think Jade was playing around. The look in her eyes, it was so certain. Can you think of anyone named James or Emmett? Anyone at all?”
“No. No one comes to mind.”
“What about your boss? His son, what’s his name?”
“Elliott. Honey, let it go. I think it’s time to grab a bite for dinner then to head to the hotel. It’s been a long day, for both of you.”