Tim Wildmon
AFA president
February 1995 – I started a hobby a couple of years ago. It’s sort of an unusual hobby, but nonetheless a hobby. To be a well rounded person I’m told, one must eat right, exercise, read “how to” books and have a hobby. Mine happens to be collecting “truth is stranger than fiction” stories from the newspaper. One day I’m going to use these for a best selling book, but until then I thought I would use one for a column idea. If you are looking for some profound insight from this column this month, don’t waste your time. But if you just like human interest stories, read on. Now remember, the following story is true and the names have not been changed to protect
the innocent.
The following article appeared in newspapers on August 24, 1994:
“Blue River, Wisconsin – No driver’s license? No problem for 73-year-old Alvin Straight. He recently completed a six-week 240-mile trek on his riding lawn mower from his home in Laurens in northwestern Iowa to visit his brother in southwestern Wisconsin.
“Neither brother can see well enough to get a driver’s license, but neither wants to let someone else drive. (Just like a man isn’t it! I think it’s a safe bet Alvin didn’t ask for directions either.)
“When Straight learned that his 80-year-old brother, Henry, suffered a stroke, he knew he had to visit. He bought a 1966 John Deere lawn mower, got a 10-foot trailer to haul gasoline, clothes, food, and camping equipment and took off July 5. Was he worried about his safety?
“What would I be scared of? Heck, I went through combat in World War II. They ain’t going to show me a thing I ain’t seen before,’ Straight said. ‘I’ve got two good canes.’
“Henry didn’t know his brother was coming.”
Now, wouldn’t you like to have listened in on the conversation the two highway patrolmen had as they pulled up beside ol’ Alvin?
“Hey, Joe, what do ya make of this?”
“I don’t know, pull over and let’s see how far this guy’s planning on going. It’s five miles to the next exit.”
After talking with my man Alvin, Joe walks back to the car and bends into the driver’s window.
“Says, ah, says he’s ah...
“Well?”
“Say’s he’s going to ah...can’t we just go on, Sam? It’s about time to go in and I’m tired!”
I don’t know about you but I’ve got ol’ Al dressed up in an old jacket, with goggles and a scarf blowing in the wind. Sort of like Snoopy. I guess what makes this story most interesting to me is that Alvin’s actions represent both the best and the worst of human nature simultaneously.
Alvin’s actions demonstrated commitment, care and love, while at the same time demonstrating extreme pride, stubbornness and, well – shall we say – lack of good judgment.
Sorry, Alvin.
Don’t you wonder what message Alvin left on his answering machine?
“Hello, this here’s Alvin Straight. I’ll be out on the road for a couple of months going to see my brother. If that’s you, Pete, calling to complain about my lawn, save it. I’ll mow it when I get back. Why don’t you just mind your own business anyway. For others, please leave a message after the reveille.”
I don’t know what lesson we can learn from Al here. After all, he did have good intentions at heart. You have to say he does love his brother.
But, Al, the next time you make the 240 mile journey on your lawn mower, please call ahead, buddy. Henry had no idea you were coming and well, he went to Florida on vacation.
Just kidding’ folks. Alvin and Henry got together. And no, I don’t know how Alvin
got home. 
