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Nona Boyd
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
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November 12, 2006--Nona Boyd of Salina had a great opportunity. A once-in-a-lifetime chance. A moment on the national stage. A moment most of us would grab in a heartbeat.
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Nona Boyd lives in a house that looks like where a grandma should live. Not long ago, living a quiet normal life in Salina, an unexpected thing happened.
"I came home, I always check the machine (answering machine) to check if either one of the kids had called or the grandkids. And here was this message, so I punched it and listened to it."
(Voice on answering machine: "This is Lou calling from the White House. Nona, Mrs. Bush has invited you to come to a reception."
"And I thought, oh, someone is pulling my leg."
(Voice on answering machine: "Nona, if you think you can attend or if we can help you with anything, please call us. Again, this is a reception for the 505 triple 'A' Battalion."
The 505 triple A Battalion was her husband Clyde's unit. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He died a few years ago.
"Well come to find out, Mrs. Bush's father was in the same outfit."
Not only did the phone call come….so did an engraved invitation from the White House. That would be hard for anyone to resist.
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"If he was here, I'd be gung-ho. As I said, I'd probably be pushing him out the door. But since he's gone, I have not interest in going. Oh, they think I'm nuts."
This grandma isn't nuts. She is grateful for the honor. But sometimes you reach a point in life where home is more important. |
Here knitting in her favorite chair, surrounded by memories of her life. And there is one more reason why she didn't go.
"Well, I couldn't wear my jeans to the White House. And I don't dress up that much anymore."
"I'm not White House material. That's all there is too it. I've just lived in Kansas all my life."
Nona has a wonderful sense of 'self'. She knows who she is and what is important to her. And she's very comfortable just being herself. |
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