The Historical Landmark

Nestled between two populated metropolises, a comfortable bedroom community resided featuring honest family values and trusting social secure settings.

After living his life, fulfilling dreams which turned into educated goals, Tatum Crawford unlocked the house sitting atop a small hill. Dead silence invaded the deep thoughts challenging the successful events promoter whose productions brought happiness to those young and old.

“Did I charm a sucker born every day?” He pondered seeing the grandfather clock tick away.

“No, you did not, son,” an invisible voice answered the question.

Twisting around seeing nothing, Tatum continued his journey, inspecting each room making sure everything was ready for the next step. Confronting his teenage fortress, all the awards and athletic acknowledgements were still displayed, in museum fashion.

“I appreciate that,” Tatum humbly stated.

“I made you into a winner,” the electrical force spoke, “an honest one.”

Picking up the satirical trophy he earned by instigating a roughing the kicker penalty flag which won the high school American football game, Tatum released a memory giggle.

“You knew how to act, fool the referee and,” the ghostly presence reminded.

“Did I win? Or”

“Outsmart the playing field,” the energy stimulated communication replied, “really video reviews?”

During the transition period when modern technology influences obtained accurate data resulting in discarding combat win at all means strategies that manipulate the situation, the maturing individual knew things were quickly changing. Tatum Crawford continued learning about life in the athletic department but found academic success relaxing, experiencing library studies.

Spending time researching and finding out information made the college student discover the true successful path route.

Peering outside the window he saw the backboard attached hoop and imagined his father showing him the artistic purpose behind the hardwood spectacle.

“If you can make your way around the defender and get really close to the basket all you have to do is simply put the ball in,” Tatum remembered the lesson like it was yesterday, “but that takes work, you can also get the two points by aiming and shooting.”

Laughing realizing defense can block things Tatum recounted the first time he was introduced to the luring tease concept, “If you stand behind this line way back here and fire away,” his father paused, “it’s three points.”

Watching the basketball go in and out Tatum listened intently, “son, I ask you was that entertaining?” Tatum shook his head affirmatively, “then you did your job.” Mr. Crawford taught, “if the paying crowd goes home happy with your performance, then you did your job.”

Taking one final stroll through the house and its memorabilia lined hallways Tatum pulled the door keys back out.

Once outside, he watched a car pull up the driveway, and his hand suddenly waved as his wife jumped out, “honey look who I bumped into, its Karen, you remember her we used to sit together in historical fiction, you know where you interpret the truth.”

“Oh, yeah, Karen,” Tatum responded extending his welcoming greeting.

“She said she has a realtors license isn’t that cool,” Mrs. Crawford reported.

“Yeah, honey, I have changed my mind,” Tatum confessed, “I do not want to sell,”

Looking confused Mrs. Crawford wanted to hear more, “my father was the original showman after the circus’ three rings, he was the first person to say, ‘did you have fun?’

“Children should come here, walk around and learn about what happens when culture marries sport,” Tatum continued the monologue, “I would like the historical society to run the property.”

Karen at this moment was stunned, “there you go again Tatum Crawford, you devised a plan to have me come over here and see you.”

“He has a way of doing that,” Mrs. Crawford agreed.

“Well, you may want to contact Sheila, Tatum, you remember Sheila, we all had kinder Chem together, you used to write notes to her using a dull number two pencil,”

“You did what?” Mrs. Crawford questioned.

“She now volunteers down at HS and works marketing sports full time,” Karen sternly notified, “and Tatum, she really wants a word with you.”

Tatum embraced Mrs. Crawford which made Karen smile, “and you know something we will all make a fortune if this place was a tourist destination.”