A little time at the Little Moreau, for Tanner
The icy Little Moreau River snakes away from its reservoir in the Little Moreau State Recreation Area near Timber Lake, not far from the ranch where Tanner O’Leary grew up and now lies buried.
By Kevin Woster
I only had 20 minutes.
But I also had the 20 gauge, and plenty to think about.
More than that, I had the Little Moreau Recreation Area all to myself, except for the kids who showed up after sundown to dare each other, slipping and sliding, farther and farther and farther out on the clear ice of a stock dam.
I stopped at the Little Moreau, five miles or so south of Timber Lake, just before sundown Wednesday. I was in between a story about a women’s shelter in McLaughlin and the more emotionally exacting coverage that night and the next day in Timber Lake about a young rancher, Cheyenne River tribe member and U.S. Army soldier - Tanner O’Leary - who died fighting in Afghanistan on Dec. 9.
It was a story to soften the hardest of hearts, to shake the firmest foundations of complacency. It was a story about war and life, about cultures coming together in love and especially about the kind of loss that makes us feel weak and hollow just to ponder - the kind of loss Tanner O’Leary’s family must now carry forever.
The ranch where Tanner grew up is not far south from the public lands of the Little Moreau. And I couldn’t help but think of him, his family and their grief as I strolled the bluegrass ridges and buckbrush draws.
It was a little chilly, mostly calm, entirely beautiful.
The 20 gauge never came up to my shoulder. But the sun went down as expected, illuminating the landscape in the last warm light of day.
It was a comforting time and place, for me. But my comfort came easily. The O’Learys’ comfort, of course, will be an elusive gift for years to come.
I pray they find it, someday, out in that wild-and-lovely land where Tanner grew into the fine young man he was, the fine young man who will live forever in the broken hearts of his family.
The last warm light of day filters through pine trees at the Little Moreau Recreation Area, not far from the ranch where Tanner O’Leary lies buried.
December 22nd, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Amen. And well said.
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Absolutely, some of the best writing you’ve done, KW.
Tanner was a young man to be proud of.
December 23rd, 2007 at 12:13 am
It is good that Tanner rests in one of gods special places. To be sure, the tranquility and beauty of the Little Moreau River and the landscapes beyond, are a fitting and honorable resting place for one of America’s heros. The midgrass prairie, intermixed with the cedars, ash, plumb and chokecherry, along with the prairie grouse, the long billed curlew, and the shadow of the golden eagle soaring over the land of the brave shall preserve for all time, Tanner’s memory, life and service to freedom, family, clan and country. What better fitting tribute to a soldier than the photo and byline. You’ve done well Sir Woster. Tanner also did well. We will be diminished by his early passing but will be invigorated by his spirit and devotion to duty. Semper Fi!!! Our state and nation are proud and grateful for your life and great sacrafice! God speed!
December 24th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Kevin,
For a grouchy, confused old man, you sure can write some. This post, along with today’s column on Tanner’s death, show that you are not only the best reporter in the state, but also one of our best writers, Period.
Hope you and Mary have a great Christmas.
Duane
DD: Whatever medications you’re on these days, stick with them. I like the effect. Thanks. And Merry Christmas to you, my friend. K.W.
December 29th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Fine writing it is, Kevin. Fine writing. You show heart.
January 9th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Tanner was a close and personal friend of myself and my husband’s here at Ft. Bragg, NC. While my husband was deployed, he kept me entertained, and was a GREAT friend, a good father, and all around just a good person. His death hits pretty hard for me, so I can only imagine what his family is going through. Thank you for the lovely post. I hope Tanner is resting in peace.
Brittany: I’m sorry for your loss.Thank you so much for your personal thoughts about Tanner, and for your and your husband’s sacrifices for our nation. K.W.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
Our deepest prayers and condolences go out to the family and young daughter and mother of Tanner. My son’s artillery platoon out of Ft. Bragg is attached to Tanner’s and they are all still out there fighting for freedom in Afghanistan. My son and Tanner were close and had plans to go hunting when this deployment ended. Greg spoke very highly of Tanner and said he was an excellent soldier and that he would stand and fight side by side with him any day. The rest of their unit just now got back into Kandahar and I believe they are honoring Tanner now. These soldiers lost a great brother and our country lost an excellent soldier. We are all mourning this loss. We all thank him and his family for the ultimate sacrifice and pray they find peace. (Lancaster, Ohio)
Barb: Thanks so much for your thoughts. Our thoughts, prayers and gratitude are with your son, and with you. K.W.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 am
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
- General George S. Patton, Jr