I Was There | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: I Was There | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
03/16/22
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The scorching sun melted the recently-laid asphalt, resulting in shoes sinking into a tarry mess for Disneyland’s much-anticipated grand opening. That day, July 16, 1955, was a disaster for the park, but the Magic Kingdom eventually became The happiest place on earth. I was five months old at the time, living in New York. We moved to California when I was three, but I did not see the theme park until I was a pre-teen. And indeed, it was a happy place.

Other well-known events happened during my childhood and as a young adult. Most I remember well, although some did not directly affect my life, such as the following example.

"The President has been shot."
These words fired throughout my school that day, November 22, 1963.
I was eight when I heard about President John Kennedy's assassination. Although I did not understand the depth of the tragedy, I knew that it was horrific because everyone went home early that day.

Another terrible assassination occurred on April 4, 1968, with the slaying of a charismatic man who preached about his dream that all races would unite. I was in seventh grade, witnessing the shock waves of disbelief permeate the school campus. I cannot remember my response to the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr., but I was aware of the social repercussions resulting from his death.

One world-changing event I witnessed occurred on July 20, 1969.

“ …The Eagle has landed.”
On an outing with my family, I recall riding in the backseat of our car listening to the live radio broadcast of Apollo Eleven’s Eagle spacecraft moon landing. Later that evening, the broadcast of astronaut Neil Armstrong's quote about his "One giant leap for mankind" was beamed throughout the airways. About five years prior, my dad worked as a chef at Edwards Air force base and knew folks who had worked on the space project, so it was exciting to hear it happen in real-time.

From scientific advancements to political power plays, my teen years opened my eyes to the reality of life. The year of high school graduation — 1973, I experienced my first gas shortage. We were only allowed to fill up our cars on odd or even days, depending on the numbers on the license plate. The lines at the service stations were long, and tempers flared. It was a scary introduction to adulthood. The disgraced resignation of President Richard Nixon on August 9, 1974, did not directly affect my life, but of course, it fueled the news media.

In another media feeding-frenzy, on March 30, 1981, an attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan seriously injured him and press secretary James Brady. Like millions of others, I watched the televised news clip over and over — sickened at what I saw.

I shudder at the memory of the serial killer dubbed Night Stalker as I believe I saw him.

In 1984-85, Richard Ramirez slithered around the cities near my home in Southern California. We were frightened, and even though the days were hot, we kept the windows and doors tightly closed. The case was so intense that even a law enforcement officer I knew relocated his family during the investigation. I am sure that I saw the crazed man driving next to me on the backed-up westbound 60 freeway. He turned his head facing my passenger window and seemed to look directly at me — smirking. I most remember how dull and cold his eyes appeared, and to this day, I feel traumatized.

These are a few of the well-known events that occurred during the first 30 years of my life. I have lived through so much more in the ensuing thirty-plus years. However, given the recent happenings in the world, we are assuredly living in the end times. I am comforted knowing that this world is not my home, and I long for the Christian’s most-anticipated historical event yet to come.

When Jesus Christ returns to take His church home, I hope to go live for the experience of the trumpeting summons, followed by my heavenward ascension.It will be a troubling event for the nonbeliever but joyful for those who profess faith in Him. Even if I die before that blessed appearance, I know I will be present at the happiest place in heaven or earth —God’s Eternal Kingdom.

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