Peppermint Palace Providence

When I was a kid growing up in Wichita Falls, my idea of a having fun was usually fishing or Putt-Putt mini-golf. I think Showbiz pizza opened up around 1981-82. My brother Harry worked there I believe for a short time in high school and he graduated in '83. Well, when my dog Ralph died, I remember that dad took me to Peppermint Palace to get my mind off of it. I really liked that place. I thought it was a lot better than Showbiz.

Also dad took me there after grandpa Hundley died. He really knew how to help me not think about death. He also took me there a few more times. During one of those visits, I remember how good I felt getting to be "the hero" by helping a couple of lost girls get out of the giant tunnel. Well, Peppermint Palace only lasted a few years before it went under.

A few years into our marriage I told Joyce about how wonderful Peppermint Palace was. She agreed. She said they went there several times growing up. She was likewise saddened when it closed down. She also remembered one specific time her and her sister got lost in the giant tunnel. Fortunately a nice boy helped them find their way out. Kinda makes you wanna say hmmmm......

I like to think it was her and her sister I helped that time. I feel glad to be a child of the God who can make a special moment even more special years later. I know that God is always working behind the scenes in ways we are clueless to. He is in control of it all. Was it Joyce and her sister I helped? I can't prove it, but I believe it.


--Johnie