October, 2019

Athletic Addie

Addie Fleischaker was athletic, or at least she used to be. At a decade or so past middle age her physical prowess, when I knew her, was mostly used up on the golf course.

She was part of the Singer/Fleischaker Oil Company in Oklahoma City, and a very good friend and art client of mine. I saw her as a quiet and reserved person who liked to seclude in the background.

We didn’t communicate much but I considered her to be a very good friend. So when I heard through the grape vine that she was going into the hospital for a very serious backbone operation, I was understandably distressed.

Without saying anything to Addie, I went into my private collection of prehistoric Zuni fetishes. There were a few that fit the description of what I needed, a stone bear or mountain lion fetish with an elongated back. I wrapped it carefully, and put it in a box with a note.

Addie, I hear you are going under the knife for a bone fusion. If it were anyone but you, I’d be worried. I’ll throw in some powerful medicine to help you. This is a back fetish. Please keep it in your hand during the operation. It will work for you if you have faith. I’ll be with you in my prayers. Good luck.

Forrest

PS it is important that you have faith.

Addie was quiet. I didn’t hear anything from her for a long time. No news was out there anywhere.

Then I received a letter.

Forrest,

Not only am I playing golf with the girls again, but today I made a birdie on the 4th hole. That never happened to me before. I want you to know that I went into the operation with your fetish in my left hand. I had the nurse tape it closed so it couldn’t fall out when I was asleep. I had faith in it and the doctor said it probably helped me. I owe you a boa hug.

PS I really did have faith in the fetish.

Addie

Don’t you just love stories that have a happy ending? f