John "Buck" Thompson...A Short (Fictional...) Story

The Weekly Writing Prompt Story

Okay, I admit, my entry for this week's writing prompt is a little different for me (and most likely, for them, too...). The picture they chose this week is great--I love it. And as I looked at the picture (and those somewhat difficult five words...), I tried imaging a short story around this man and his horses. The idea that came to my head was a strange one, but I ran with it and had a lot of fun writing it. Oh, and by the way, I have no idea if there's a First Baptist Church in Twin Falls, Idaho, and I'm pretty sure there's no such foundation as I've included in my story (just letting you know...).

Once again, the rules:

1) There will be one photo, and five words - both of those elements must be a feature in the brief story you create.
2) There is also a 500 word maximum.
3) You have until the next Wednesday to create your post.
4) When you have finished your post, come to this link: HERE and let me (Or whoever your blog host is) know in the comments that you have done so!
5) We were going to tell you to not take this too seriously, but reconsidered it because we know full well that asking writers to write something means that they will take it seriously. So, take it seriously, but don't fret/panic/pass out/hyperventilate/lose sleep/run in fear over it.

The Five Words are:

Needle

Wisdom

Planet

Beach

Scandal

For more information, please go to Carrie's website: HERE and check it out. It's really fun! You should write one! 

I hope you enjoy my latest!

John “Buck” Thompson

It is with a sad heart the family of John “Buck” Thompson announces his passing. Our father and grandfather passed away the night of January 17^th, leaving behind Jane, his wife of 44 years, and his children, Randy, Sally, and Buck Jr.

            Buck was born at home on December 23, 1948, in Blaine County Montana to Roy and Maybell Thompson (deceased). He lived in Montana until his father was transferred with the railroad and their new home in Twin Falls, Idaho, where Buck lived all his life.

            Those who knew Buck knew his love of the outdoors. There’s nowhere on this planet he would have rather been than on his ranch with his horses and family. Though the family begged him several times to take them to the beach, Buck’s wisdom in teaching us all the virtues of hard work on the ranch will carry on for generations.

            Buck lived his life honestly, and though he had his faults, his name was never attached to scandal or disgrace. Anyone who ever did business with Buck knew his word was his bond and a handshake from him was stronger than any signed document.

Buck’s love for Jane was the model for us all. We’ll always remember him telling us of how he met the love of his life, “There she was, working at the grocery store. I saw her, and I was in love.” Finding her, he said many times, was like finding, “a needle in a haystack.” Buck always said he was, “the luckiest man on earth.”

In Buck’s final days, he spent as much time on the ranch with his family and his horses that his ailing body would allow. It was difficult for his loved ones to see this once strong man slowly weaken from the cancer that ultimately took his life. We choose to remember Buck as he once was, on the ranch leading a horse to the safety of a barn in winter. To him, this was Heaven, a place we are sure he is now, awaiting the rest of us to follow.

            Buck is survived by Jane, his loving wife of 44 years, his children Randall (Lisa), Sally Everton (Mel), and Buck Jr. (Wendy). Buck is the grandfather to 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild due in May. Proceeding Buck in death are his parents, Roy and Maybell, and one sister, Fann.

            Funeral services for Buck Thompson will begin at 11 a.m. and be held at the First Baptist Church, 125 East Stetson Ave., Twin Falls, Idaho, on January 25. Graveside services will follow at the Twin Falls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Buck requested a donation be made to the “Wild Horses of Southern Idaho Foundation, www.wildhorsesofsoidahofoundation.org. 

Word Count: 455