A DRURY NELSON STORY
WHITE GOLD?
WRITER'S NOTE: If anything in the story that follows is not
true, I can assure you it is completely unintentional.
After I wrote the story I read it. Then I began to question
if the party I made referrence to was indeed at Drury's house. I really believe it was. If someone knows it was not then I beg your pardon. Also the conversation about the ring could have taken place in the 6th grade (not the 4th). I remember where we were therefore it could not have been the 5th grade.
My memories of Drury go back further than either of us want to
admit. I mean I have known Drury a long, long time.
After reading Part 1 and Part 2 of the johnivey story, I am certain
most can understand how important it was for me to see 'women'
(role models) that actually acted like 'real mothers'. I am not
trying to sound bitter toward my mom. I am just saying if
someone's mom showed me a little bit of positive attention I
was always so thankful. Drury's mom was such a role model for
me. She was always very positive, kind and understanding. She
always seemed to like me a lot. Each time I saw her she had a
huge smile for me accompanied by a great big hug. I am not
certain why Mrs. Nelson always liked me, but it was obvious to
me that she did. I will never forget the kindness Drury's mom
showed me. I am not really certain Drury ever knew that she and
her mom meant so much to me. I always wanted to tell them, but
I never really knew how. I cried for two days when I found out
that Drury's mom had passed. I should have told her how much
she influenced my life.
I spoke very poorly in grade school. As I grew older, I
discovered it was actually more of a hearing problem than a
speech impediment. I had a hard time pronouncing Drury's name.
I always had to think of the word 'jewelry' before I could say
her name correctly. It was not until high school that I broke
myself of this habit. I am not cetain why it helped, but it
did.
One day in the fourth grade Drury and I were talking about a
ring she was wearing. She told me it was gold. It was very
pretty, however it was silver in color. I told her I liked
gold jewelry very much and I knew gold was yellow. I guess I
must have looked at her with my 'dumb look'. I am certain most
of you remember that look. I had it with me a lot. Drury again
said her ring was gold. She explained that a lot of rings were
10 'carrots', however her ring was 14 'carrots'.
I told her I knew gold was yellow and I did not know what
'carrots' had to do with rings. I said, "Anyway, 'carrots' are
orange not yellow." She then showed me the 14k on the inside
of the band. She explained it was karats not 'carrots' Then she
told me it was 'white gold'. I had never heard of white gold
and really thought she was just joking with me.
I could see however that she was serious. I could not believe
I had never heard of this white gold thingy, after all I was 9
years old. I knew Drury was not the type to just make something
up, so I believed her and never question the white gold thing
again. Now, ever time I see a piece of jewelry that is silver
or white gold I think of Drury. I guess all of this is pretty
unimportant to you guys. I only tell you to try to illustrate
how much a single conversation can mean to someone who is in
need of 'a sense of belonging and honesty'. That conversation
between Drury and myself took place over 40 years ago. I am
certain she does not even remember it. I remember it as if
"IT WERE ONLY A MOMENT AGO!" (my favorite line from the movie,
THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE)
I think I am beginning to understand a little more each time I
write to you guys why I remember what I do. Drury and her mom
always made me feel special. Drury always had that sense of
honesty about her. I am not claiming that I can see auroras.
I am just saying that Drury was (is) the type person that
always has to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but
the truth. Drury and her mom always made me feel I belonged at
Harding. It was and still is a feeling that I will always
cherish.
In high school one night Drury was having a party with all the
girls over. I think it was a sleep over type thing. Some of us
guys went over there. If my memory serves me correctly Drury
lived on Josephine. At the party someone came up with the idea
of playing spin the bottle. I had never played before. I am
not cetain that we ever got the game started, but I do
remember I was all for it.
I also remember that Drury's mom was there and had sandwiches
and cokes for everyone. I don't remember a lot about the
evening. But I do remember Drury's mom and that great smile
she had making me feel warm inside. Drury and her mom always
did make me feel special.
I am glad to consider Drury one of my long time friends. You
noticed I did not say one of my oldest friends! You guys are
still young to me.
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