I was 8 years old the first time my brother, Jim, swung me over his shoulders as we watched the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Parade, 1972. It was the most exciting thing I had ever seen! Earlier that day, we had walked the busy streets of Sycamore visiting all of the food venders, and walking the courthouse lawn looking at exhibits and pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and designs. As the fire truck sirens screamed loudly, so did I! I laughed wildly as I plugged my ears and screamed with excitement at the noise and the crowd! Soon candy was being thrown to the crowd and Jim, being a good sized guy, bulldozed his way to the front of the crowd! I was laughing so hard I nearly fell off his shoulders. I remember I had one leg still across his back and the other just dangling. I could not stop laughing. He hollered, "Come on Bucky, grab some candy!" At the time I hated that name, but now...not so much. Afterwards, with my belly full of hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, hot cocoa, and goodness knows what else, we walked and walked until we came to his car, and I was out like a light before we even made it a few streets. What a day!

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.