I found it! True story about the Tarzan book by my sister Vickie:
Picture this:
Christmas season many years ago...circa 1964...I was just a young girl, pre-teen I believe, who was doing some Christmas shopping for my family. I had everybody bought for except for my older brother Tommy. I was in the old Kresge's store in down town Fostoria on the corner of Center and Main...it's been gone for many years now, but I can still see how the building looked and picture the store lay out and hear the old creaky floor boards. I loved that store....lots of good memories in there.
I'm wandering around trying to get an idea of what to buy my brother Tommy for Christmas. I was in the book section....naturally, as I am always drawn to the books like a magnet.....thinking maybe he would like a book.
Now I was an avid fan of Tarzan of the Apes...he was my idol, whether played by Johnny Weissmuller or Ron Ely...I just loved the story of Tarzan swinging through the jungle on those vines and communicating with the animals, especially the apes and the elephants. I had seen the book version by the creator of Tarzan, Edgar Rice Burroughs, in the store, but it cost more money than I had so I couldn't buy it at that time.
Oh, it was a wonderful book! It was a green hardback book with 'Tarzan of the Apes' in red lettering and a picture of him swinging on the vine with his faithful companion Cheetah the chimpanzee swinging right along beside him. It told the whole story of how Tarzan came to be. In the back of the book was a glossary section that showed the ape-English language interpretations....what a plus!!!
I wanted that book so badly.
I finally had enough money saved up to buy it, but this was Christmas time and I needed to buy Tommy a present. I stood there with that book in my hand, weighing that decision in my mind....Tommy or Tarzan? I couldn't do both. I regretfully put the book back on the shelf, and found a present for Tommy. I don't even remember what it was, but I knew he got a present from me that year.
Christmas Eve came around, which is when we opened our presents. I was so excited for Tommy to see what I got for him. Dad passed out the presents one by one...yes, even with ten people in the family we opened our gifts one at a time so we all could see what everybody got.
When it came my turn to open my present from Tommy, there inside the wrapping paper was a green hardback book titled 'Tarzan of the Apes' by Edgar Rice Burroughs! I was so incredibly thrilled and excited....now I could learn the ape language from the glossary in the back. Words like "Tarzan bundolo"...meaning "Tarzan kill" or 'tantor' which meant 'elephant'. I wanted so much to be fluent in ape. lol
I read the book several times and studied that glossary thoroughly.....had I spent that much effort on my school work I would've been a straight A student.
Now picture November 24 2021. It's a day off from dialysis so I piddle around the apartment, treat myself to a Bob Evans breakfast, stop by Kroger's for a few things. They were completely out of pumpkin roll, which was the main reason I went there. I get home and put groceries away. and go check my mail.
There's a fairly large brown package in my mail box. I was expecting to get a cd I had ordered, but not in such a big package. It was definitely addressed to me, but the only return address was the company which sent it.
Can you imagine my shock and delight to find a green hardback book titled 'Tarzan of the Apes' in red lettering? And it's an old print, not a new edition....it's in very good condition but the pages are yellowed with age and it...well, it smells like an old book smells....a wonderful smell! I am just in awe....it may sound silly, but I think God had a hand in this. He loves to delight His children, even in seemingly small ways. But to me, this is BIG!!!
There was no note inside nor any kind of indication of who could have sent me the book. But I think we all know who the thoughtful party is, don't we Tommy? lol You just really made my day! Heck, you made my whole holiday season....you warmed the cockles of my heart with this surprise....I could be wrong....that happens once in a while...D)...but I doubt it....it's too coincidental.
Doing the happy dance....there are some of my books that I really cherish and reread from time to time. This one is a visit from an old friend and I shall enjoy revisiting the jungle again with Tarzan...and brushing up on my ape.
"Gree-ah abalu" which loosely translated means "I love my brother". I figure if the Klingons can have their own language so can the apes. lol
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