Thoughts from a traveler

Dear Editor:

I can't seem to go to sleep tonight for all the thoughts going through my head. I've found the best way to get some sleep over the years is to write them down.

You see, for the first time in 48 years, I'm trying to go to sleep in a rented house. Sharon and I sold our house yesterday, which makes us homeless.

We are moving to another home next week out west across a couple of not very deep but kind of famous rivers -- the Cimarron and the North Canadian. I always wanted to be a cowboy.

My first wife, Mary, and I came here 50 years ago -- worked hard and raised our family. She is buried here, along with several of our kinfolk.

Sharon and I married 27 years ago and saw our children marry and our grandkids born and raised here. Some will be staying behind, along with many, many of the best people we have ever known.

This isn't meant to be a sad letter because we all are going to be leaving Nevada sometime. Many of you helped us build a business by working with us, not for us. I won't put down names for the fear of missing some. Together, we experienced the greatest joys and deepest sorrows. I appreciate each and everyone who helped us -- good or bad.

I'll be leaving down the same road I came in on -- 54 Highway. I'll be taking with me a lot more than I thought, not things or possessions but precious memories of all our friends who will live in my heart forever -- more than any man deserves -- more happiness, laughter and true, true relationships -- than most people will ever know.

We will be crossing several rivers that you may never cross if you don't come to see us. But if we don't see each other again there is one more river that we will all cross in our own time. I'm glad our paths crossed. I'll see you on the other side.

Wilbur D. Smith