Margaret Jump
(The bus kingdom of Donaldland -- a true fairy tale. Some of it will rhyme and some will not, but, this is it.)
Once upon a time, about five days ago, a group of friends, family and strangers met in a parking lot. Most of us were there, but four were not. We were young and old, shy and bold, some were short and some were broad. We just wanted to travel and see some of God's world and all.
Upon arriving -- there set a big gray bus. It was King Donald himself who greeted us. Welcome to my bus kingdom, this is my queen Lora and our son Klay who will be helping us as long the way. Each day our leader Donald greeted us with a big good morning and a prayer for us, and then he would give us the word for the day. If we forgot and repeated it, then into the bank a dime we should pay.
Over the river and through the woods, up mountains and down valleys and around curves we would go. King Donald took the big gray bus where I didn't know a bus could go. Across Missouri, through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and a bit of Ohio, too. We always felt safe, for he knew what to do.
At Churchill Downs we saw horses racing in the crisp morning air.
At Huber Farms there were wagons to ride, we saw pumpkins, a corn maze and a few small ponds, and had fried chicken that tasted a lot like Mom's.
We entered into the great old Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, so beautiful and majestic with its stained glass windows and walls, you couldn't help but feel closer to our God.
We had a wonderful dinner on a riverboat cruise. We floated down the Ohio by the light of the moon.
We went to a place called The Garden of Hope, a replica of the Garden Tomb. We toured with a guide who could sing Amazing Grace to any old tune.
At the Creation Museum, it was so large we were there all day. We learned about creation and all of God's ways, from the beginning of mankind to the fall. We walked the pretty gardens, seen the zip lines and all.
Upon arriving at Noah's Ark, we couldn't believe it at all. It was so massive and tall. We learned of Noah's world, about all creatures -- both big and small.
At Patti's 1880s Settlement, we shared our last evening meal. The food was so delicious but the company was the real deal.
Our trip is coming to an end and I have a few dimes left. So I have some words to say. I did EAT a lot of wonderful food and I would LOOK at many beautiful things. But now we're going HOME and I will surely miss our prince of a young man Klay, who is strong as a BLUE OX. So here are four more dimes to add to the bank that someone is going to win and have all of us to thank.
I'll remember Queen Lora, with her beautiful face, her laughter, her smile and all her grace. Her giving us instructions -- "luggage out at 7 and we board at 8." We would climb into that big bus as soon as we ate. She would tell us of each state's silly laws, and then pass out treats to one and all.
Then there was king Donald (known as Donny to us) and his big gray bus. I'll remember his prayers, politeness and charm. And his taking care of us.
Last but not least was our prince Klay. He carried our luggage both night and day -- he was looking out for us, all the way. Getting back to the bus we would see a wink of his eye and a smile on his face. We knew right then we were in the right place. As we would board, he would put a cold drink in our hands, then he would entertain us on the bus as a one man band.
Every good thing must come to an end, but we will dream of doing it again.
I hope you enjoyed my silly little tale and that it helps you remember the real details.
I truly enjoyed every moment of our tour. A chance to renew old friendships and make new ones.
Love To All Margaret Jump
Editor's note: Margaret and Eldon Jump lived for many years in Pea Ridge and now live near north of Jacket, Mo.
Community on 11/09/2016