The Red River Valley
Geographically, there are two red rivers in the United States. The Red River of the south acts as a border between the states of Texas and Oklahoma. The Red River of the North forms the border between the states of Minnesota and North Dakota and flows north into Canada. Geography lesson over.
My Red River Valley is a state of mind and only exists in my imagination.
The first time I ever heard the song, I was about five. Mom and Dad bought me the record for my old phonograph. Mary Jo and I included it many times in our dress-up play acting.
When Mom and Dad uprooted me from my childhood Red River Valley on North 25th street, I would play my old record player and listen to the song and hold my own pity party as I sang along with the words, "For they say you are taking the sunshine that lies in my pathway or why." I was just sure my old gang on North 25th felt their sunshine was gone without me." Drama queen with capitol letters.
When Bob and I bought our first home on 18th Street, I likened it to my Red River Valley. Neighbors visited, mothers didn't go to jobs, it was the early 1960's. However when it came time to leave, I didn't shed any tears. It wasn't perfect.
In 1980 when we moved to Pleasant Dale, it was the small town of my dreams. Our life there has many happy memories. However, I didn't shed any tears when Bob and I pulled out behind the moving van and headed for my next Red River Valley -- Alma.
Truth is, I know in my heart that my Red River Valley exists. It is called Heaven and I look forward to my final move.
