Comments from Leo Eilts

I have just returned from spending the weekend in Winfield. The staff and crew of the Walnut Valley Festival, who spend the entire year with Brian and his family, have been as supportive as you might imagine. Men I have seen on tractors and trucks on the Cowley County Fairgrounds came to stand quietly by family members. The ticket takers, car parkers, trash haulers, phone answerers, and security providers are stepping forward to shoulder what weight they can, just like they always do. Members of the community have extended invitations to people they have yet to meet in order to accommodate the many pilgrims expected to be in Winfield by Wednesday. It reminds me that, like Brian, there are many, many people who work quietly behind the scenes to make sure that those of us who are temporary visitors to the community return home feeling as if we have been cradled in the protective arms of our extended family. I'll try never again to miss a chance to say "thank you."

The entire Redford family, Brian's parents, siblings, wife and children, are under the watchful eye of a community who cares. I heard the principal of Kevin and Kayla's school speak of his eagerness to get them back in class among their young friends so he can begin normalizing their days. I saw grown men in coveralls offering hugs of friendship and encouragement on Main street. There is a quiet kind of energy there, unpretentious and dignified, and I think that we can all take comfort in that.

I watched Bob stand before the congregation of his church Sunday morning. In a soft voice, he spoke of this as being a time of Thanksgiving, and thanked the members of his community for helping him to raise his son. He also talked candidly of the effects that depression can have on a family. It's a devastating disease which took the life of someone we care about, and I'm sure that it scares others as much as me that, with all of our knowledge, we can still feel so helpless. I am also sure that some of you, like myself, feel a vague sense of guilt. In this way, the disease affects us all.

I was fortunate to be able to witness first-hand the love that Brian felt for his wife and children. I think it's important to remember that Gail, Kevin and Kayla face a tough road, but I can tell you that they are strong and resilient persons. A trust fund has been established for the Redford children, and I intend to make as generous a contribution as I can afford. The information about where to make these contributions has been previously posted.

Bob and Kendra seem determined to help people understand that Brian was a victim of an illness. What was wrong with his life was how it looked to him from the inside. I know that Brian was full of self-doubt in spite of his obvious capabilities. Nevertheless, I had complete confidence in him as a partner, and everybody I have spoken to felt the same way.

Many of us are wondering about the fate of the Walnut Valley Festival. Since this is our list, we should feel free to discuss this, I think. While I am not a spokesman for either the family or the WVA, I have heard Bob speak of the future as if it exists. If they have it, I'll be there.

Like many of you, I will be in Winfield Thursday. If it's a celebration we're to have, then by God, there will be music in my heart.

Leo
e-mail leo@wheeleraudio.com

Having tagged along with Leo during the first half of the weekend, I want to attest to the truth in his description of the community spirit we saw and want to thank him for this eloquent statement. These words were posted to Winfield-L, but I realized there are some in the Walnut Valley community who have web browser access without e-mail, so Leo has agreed to share them on the Web as well.
- Don