Ticheli Road..50 Years Ago Today

What was I doing 50 years ago. Most likely, at 8 years old, I was outside (wasn't allowed to play in peoples houses) playing with neighbor friends Susan and Marsha or maybe "Poodlem" across the street, living out a carefree life children have every right to live. My only concern in those days were well, never mind.... I didn't have concerns.

My husband, Wayne on the other hand, lived a different life. It was not unusual for him to go to bed hearing his parents argue and fight, waking up to them in the morning, or in the middle of the night. Just pull the covers up over the head and hide. Maybe the dull thumps on the wall would lessen and he would fall asleep.

If it hadn't been yet, innocence was for sure stripped away as one morning, he woke up to yelling outside. Looking out the window he saw these voices were of the hired hands of his dad. When a lull of work came about , they would play with Wayne, so he was curious as to what was going on. Much to his surprise and horror..... he watched as his dad was shooting at these guys and killing them one by one. There were 5 young men, one of them lived. The other 4 perished in the side yard, where on many lazy days, they played with him. Wayne's mother was coming out frantic with pillows and blankets, trying to make them comfortable. She, only being 26 years old herself, was not prepared to experience this horror, but then, nobody is, right?

His dad came in the kitchen and ordered his mom to make some coffee. He sat down by the kitchen phone on the wall and called Sheriff Bailey Grant, saying, " Bailey, you'd better get out here, I've done killed some n------." (I can't even bring myself to type the word)

Oh, there was an arrest made, but the trial, nope, don't think it ever went to trial. He got off, claiming it was self-defense. No matter what anyone says, I think this man was looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life. So maybe there was a small amount of justice done.

The devastation it brought to the whole family will never be realized. I do know what it has meant for my little family, though. Wayne has carried this burden as a small child, hidden way deep inside. Then as a young adult, it surfaced and has stayed afloat pretty much his whole adult life. He has carried the guilt of his dad's horrific crime. About 15 years ago, we tried to find the families of these young men, but had no luck. Recently on Facebook, we befriended a guy we went to school with. We've had a few heart to hearts with him and he's even working on helping us reconnect with the families. I really pray this will give Wayne some closure on the tragedy that keeps playing in his heart and mind. Our son, Matthew wrote a song about it for Wayne.

The Ghosts of Ticheli

Fear and sorrow...cold to the core...feelings come back as I walk thru the door

Anger and worry...long sleepless nights.....It's what I remember here on Ticheli

If these walls could hear....they'd tremble with fear

If these walls had eyes....they'd fill up with tears

If these walls could speak to you....you wouldn't believe your ears

If these walls remembered...what happened here

Nine years old...when I heard the screams...5 shots rang out that I still hear in dreams

I looked thru the window..... and watched as they died..they were too young to go..

The ghosts of Ticheli

If these walls could hear...they'd tremble with fear

If these walls had eyes.. they'd fill up with tears

If these walls could speak to you...you'd fall to the ground

If these walls remembered... I'd burn them all down

It's been so long... since I moved away...It still haunts my dreams like it was yesterday

I still hear their cry...as I lie awake at night....I still see their faces

The ghosts of Ticheli

If these walls could hear...they'd tremble with fear

If these walls had eyes.. they'd fill up with tears

If these walls could speak to you...you'd fall to the ground

If these walls remembered... I'd burn them all down

Today I returned...for one last goodbye..I'll always remember

The ghosts of Ticheli