May 7th, 2009

Jim Sherer, former mayor of Dodge City and Director of the Kansas Heritage Center, graciously supplied the foreword for Thunder Over the Prairie. In anticipation of the upcoming launch festivities that will be going on in Dodge City, he has made arrangements for guests to get a tour through Dodge, special meals, visitors packets in each room, and making Howard Kazanjian an honorary marshal for the day. Dodge City Library Director Cathyrn Reeves has been instrumental in organizing the launch party at her branch on Friday. Everyone has been very generous with their time and I know the event will be a success because of their hard work. These two people didn’t have to go out of their way, but I’ve come to the conclusion that that’s they way they do things in Kansas. It’s a marvelous state to visit, not only for the scenery, but for the kind individuals you’ll meet as you travel through. It’s been a joy. Even though I am excited about all the upcoming doings, there is still a sadness that tugs at my heart and always will. Rick, my precious brother will never enjoy this with me. Oh, how I wish I’d done things differently. I told him to take a plea and I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t see a happy man in my mind’s eye anymore. I see a physically and emotionally dying man who was beaten. No matter what I do, the thought is there. It looms over me and reminds me of great loss. I believe it will haunt me forever. I miss his smile, his sense of humor, his laugh…I miss. The smile is there for a new book, but deep inside I’m crying out for justice for my brother. Help was never on the way.