Driving through Ilion for the first time was quite an experience. I had heard about this place for the past 8 years and almost none of it had been positive. Unfortunately, the things I'd heard were all true, the place is worn down and rather disgusting. Nathan couldn't believe how bad it looked and was near to outraged at looking at his old home, where he spent most of his years, which was in terrible need of a paint job and landscaping attention. I was tempted to look inside and try to see the closet where Nathan and Aaron used to sleep, or the other endless closet I'd heard Leanne had hid things in and Cindy would find things years later hidden in the unreachable areas. I guess I'll just have to conjure up my own images of what it might have looked like, but judging by the outside, I'm not conjuring up very much.
All the mulch I'd heard so much about was gone. Left in its stead where some childrens toys and garbage. I was glad that it was at least mowed (probably wasn't, just looked like it because the grass was just peeking out of the snow that just melted.)
E. River St. Where it all happened.
Now, even more than the house where he grew up, I have heard over and over about the "RIP FIELD". This is it! Nathan spent countless hours here as a youth practicing his baseball pitch and throw, and running high knees and who knows what else. His ever-inspiring "Rise-Up" theme for life was born and created here in the rip field. I think that this is where the boy truly became a man and learned what focus and hard work really are. He would throw the ball at this poor fence all day long, so that it became as mangled as the picture shows.
Nate was remorseful that he forgot to bring his ball and glove, but gave me a pose anyway, for old times' sake. He was quite a baseball player back in the day and even had some major league try-outs. I never saw that side of him and am glad that he has found new ways to focus his talents and abilities. He is skilled at whatever he puts his mind to, and I'm sure that the rip field has missed his talents. Can't you just hear the fence screaming, "hit me with your best shot?"
The Clark Kids Legacy being passed down
It's too bad that we weren't able to get the entire family in a picture, but these will have to do for posterities' sake. I don't think I fully comprehend, nor the kids, the deep impact this little field has had in the life of our husband and father. He came alive in that field and started running up and down and doing the rise up sign. This field really was a field of dreams for him and so we will respect and honor it.
A tribute to their father
A view of the whole field, with the tennis/basketball court
Going back to the car to get a wider view of the street where he grew up
A view from Ilion High School. Nathan was amazed at all the changes they had to the high school. There was a whole new wing and many different things added (that have apparently been there for years.). It made me wonder what my old high school would look like today. I'm sure a ton has changed in Klamath Falls since I was there over 10 years ago. What amazed me most about going to Nate's old town was his memory. He remembered names and homes of people on nearly every street. I have often marveled during Clark get-togethers that they seem to have so many memories and people that they always talk about and remember. I suppose if I got together with all my brothers we might be able to come up with a few names that we all knew and remembered, but not near as many as the Clarks. I suppose the fact that my family moved so much has a lot to do with that. Nathans' family lived in the same house on the same street for nearly his entire life growing up. I lived in over 7 states and at least 10 homes before we finally settled during Jr. High until I graduated. My home town was also way bigger than Ilion with a lot more people. No wonder I don't remember as many names and faces and homes, his town could fit into my neighborhood! I guess I won't really have to feel jealous about all their memories now, after having been to Ilion I have no regrets of not being raised there. But I can say that it did produce one great man. Okay, several great men (looking at Nathans' family at large). I also understand why Cindy has nightmares about going back to Ilion.
Driving through Ilion for the first time was quite an experience. I had heard about this place for the past 8 years and almost none of it had been positive. Unfortunately, the things I'd heard were all true, the place is worn down and rather disgusting. Nathan couldn't believe how bad it looked and was near to outraged at looking at his old home, where he spent most of his years, which was in terrible need of a paint job and landscaping attention. I was tempted to look inside and try to see the closet where Nathan and Aaron used to sleep, or the other endless closet I'd heard Leanne had hid things in and Cindy would find things years later hidden in the unreachable areas. I guess I'll just have to conjure up my own images of what it might have looked like, but judging by the outside, I'm not conjuring up very much.
All the mulch I'd heard so much about was gone. Left in its stead where some childrens toys and garbage. I was glad that it was at least mowed (probably wasn't, just looked like it because the grass was just peeking out of the snow that just melted.)
E. River St. Where it all happened.
Now, even more than the house where he grew up, I have heard over and over about the "RIP FIELD". This is it! Nathan spent countless hours here as a youth practicing his baseball pitch and throw, and running high knees and who knows what else. His ever-inspiring "Rise-Up" theme for life was born and created here in the rip field. I think that this is where the boy truly became a man and learned what focus and hard work really are. He would throw the ball at this poor fence all day long, so that it became as mangled as the picture shows.
Nate was remorseful that he forgot to bring his ball and glove, but gave me a pose anyway, for old times' sake. He was quite a baseball player back in the day and even had some major league try-outs. I never saw that side of him and am glad that he has found new ways to focus his talents and abilities. He is skilled at whatever he puts his mind to, and I'm sure that the rip field has missed his talents. Can't you just hear the fence screaming, "hit me with your best shot?"
The Clark Kids Legacy being passed down
It's too bad that we weren't able to get the entire family in a picture, but these will have to do for posterities' sake. I don't think I fully comprehend, nor the kids, the deep impact this little field has had in the life of our husband and father. He came alive in that field and started running up and down and doing the rise up sign. This field really was a field of dreams for him and so we will respect and honor it.
A tribute to their father
A view of the whole field, with the tennis/basketball court
Going back to the car to get a wider view of the street where he grew up
A view from Ilion High School. Nathan was amazed at all the changes they had to the high school. There was a whole new wing and many different things added (that have apparently been there for years.). It made me wonder what my old high school would look like today. I'm sure a ton has changed in Klamath Falls since I was there over 10 years ago. What amazed me most about going to Nate's old town was his memory. He remembered names and homes of people on nearly every street. I have often marveled during Clark get-togethers that they seem to have so many memories and people that they always talk about and remember. I suppose if I got together with all my brothers we might be able to come up with a few names that we all knew and remembered, but not near as many as the Clarks. I suppose the fact that my family moved so much has a lot to do with that. Nathans' family lived in the same house on the same street for nearly his entire life growing up. I lived in over 7 states and at least 10 homes before we finally settled during Jr. High until I graduated. My home town was also way bigger than Ilion with a lot more people. No wonder I don't remember as many names and faces and homes, his town could fit into my neighborhood! I guess I won't really have to feel jealous about all their memories now, after having been to Ilion I have no regrets of not being raised there. But I can say that it did produce one great man. Okay, several great men (looking at Nathans' family at large). I also understand why Cindy has nightmares about going back to Ilion.
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