Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

John Avery Whittaker: Hi there, I'm John Avery Whittaker, but you can call me Whit. My friends and I are about to set off for a time of wonder and excitement. You want to come along? We'd love to have you join us for today's Adventure in Odyssey.

Goodbye and God bless. Boy, you leave for a few weeks. It's kind of an emergency. Put the pedal to the metal. Lord, help me relax about this. Oh, boy.

Bernard Walton: Welcome to Odyssey. Now, there's a sight for sore eyes. I just want to get home and have a hot bath. There's nothing like the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of one's own hometown after being away for over a month.

Eugene Meltsner: Has it been that long?

Bernard Walton: 34 days to be precise. Good grief. We could have made it to San Diego and back by wagon train in less time than that. Now, what's this?

Eugene Meltsner: I beg your pardon?

Bernard Walton: Look. It appears as if the town has been decorated for something. What's that banner say?

Eugene Meltsner: It says, "Goodbye and God bless."

Bernard Walton: Goodbye? That one says, "We'll miss you." Look at City Hall. I haven't seen it so decked out since President Eisenhower came through. They set up a podium and everything. Wonder who could have left?

Eugene Meltsner: I can't imagine, but the amount of attention would cause me to believe that it was someone rather important.

Bernard Walton: Looks that way. Now, here's Whit's End. I'm sure Whit will know what's going on. Home at last. That's one of the best things about Odyssey. No matter what happens, Whit's End is always the same.

Connie Kendall: Eugene! Bernard! Welcome home! Reception!

Bernard Walton: How touching, Miss Kendall. It's very kind of you to rush out.

Connie Kendall: Where in the world have you two been? Are you crazy?

Eugene Meltsner: What?

Connie Kendall: Why didn't you check in? Why didn't you leave phone numbers where we could get you?

Bernard Walton: My wife knew where I was.

Connie Kendall: But your wife was out of town, too! We've been going nuts!

Eugene Meltsner: Connie, please calm down and explain precisely why you've been, to borrow your phraseology, going nuts.

Connie Kendall: Because it all happened so fast and we wanted to let you know so you could get back in time to say goodbye.

Bernard Walton: The banners. Say goodbye to who? Whom? Quiet. Say goodbye to who, Connie?

Connie Kendall: To Whit. He left Odyssey.

Bernard Walton: What are you talking about? Whit wouldn't leave Odyssey.

Connie Kendall: But he has. I mean, he just did.

Bernard Walton: A vacation, I assume.

Connie Kendall: No! That's why we're trying to find you. He's gone. He's moved away.

Bernard Walton: What exactly do you mean by moved away?

Connie Kendall: Moved away. How many different kinds of moved away are there? Come inside. I'll call the airline.

Eugene Meltsner: I don't quite... But why?

Connie Kendall: Tom took him to the airport an hour ago. Maybe his plane was delayed or canceled or something. Just hurry!

Bernard Walton: This is ridiculous. It's a practical joke. Where's that number?

Eugene Meltsner: Connie! Miss Kendall, I feel as if someone just punched me in the stomach.

Bernard Walton: You want to explain this situation or do we have to play 20 questions?

Connie Kendall: Here it is. 5-3-1... How could he just move away? It's busy. I'll keep trying.

Bernard Walton: Connie!

Connie Kendall: Right after you two left town, Whit got an urgent call from the board of that company he started in Chicago. The Universal Federation of Press or whatever. It doesn't matter. They sponsor different kinds of Christian missions all over the world. Dr. Banes...

Eugene Meltsner: Dr. Who? Whom?

Connie Kendall: Dr. Banes. He was a close friend and mentor to Whit years and years ago. Anyway, he ran some kind of archaeological mission in the Middle East. Really important, I guess. It's still busy! Get off the phone!

Bernard Walton: Please continue.

Connie Kendall: Dr. Banes suddenly passed away. A heart attack. So Whit went to Chicago to talk to the board about it and to try to find someone to take charge. They had to do it faster or the mission would have to close. While they were looking, Whit's name came up as the best man for the job.

Finally! It's ringing. Whit came back and thought about it and prayed and talked to a bunch of people and then decided to go. What? I don't want a recording! I need to talk to someone!

Bernard Walton: I don't believe it.

Connie Kendall: Yes, I'll hold. As if I had a choice.

Eugene Meltsner: Whit's gone to the Middle East? But how could he do such a thing? It's so unlike him.

Connie Kendall: He said he kept thinking about a conversation he had with you before you left, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Conversation with me?

Connie Kendall: Something about the time coming in a man's life when he must broaden his horizons, get out and experience the world.

Eugene Meltsner: What?

Connie Kendall: Except he said it wasn't enough just to experience it. He wanted to help.

Bernard Walton: I thought he was helping the world just fine from here. You leave for a few weeks... But how long will he be gone?

Connie Kendall: Until he decides to come back.

Eugene Meltsner: Eugene, you're sputtering. But how could he leave without saying goodbye to us?

Connie Kendall: He said goodbye to the whole town, Eugene. The last two weeks have been nothing but getting things ready and saying goodbye. We had a big farewell and everything.

Eugene Meltsner: But I didn't get to say goodbye.

Connie Kendall: Maybe you still can. That's what I'm trying to... Hello? Hi. I was wondering about a flight to New York, connecting through Chicago, I think. It's supposed to leave in about 15 minutes. No, I don't want to reserve it. I want to find out if it's leaving on time.

It is? That's great! How late will it be? Just another 20 minutes. Thanks! Bye! You've got 35 minutes! If you leave now, you might make it!

Bernard Walton: Not a chance.

Eugene Meltsner: Do you want to say goodbye to Whit or not? Or sure, but please, Mr. Walton, we must try. Are you coming, Connie?

Connie Kendall: I have to watch the shop. Go on! I already cried my eyes out once this week.

Bernard Walton: What about my hot bath?

Eugene Meltsner: Hurry, Mr. Walton, or throw me the keys to your truck!

Bernard Walton: I'm coming! I'm coming! I hate goodbyes. Hurry!

Eugene Meltsner: Can't you go any faster?

Bernard Walton: It's a red light, Eugene. I'm not breaking the law to get us to the airport.

Eugene Meltsner: Isn't there another way to get to the airport?

Bernard Walton: Only residential streets with stop signs and little kids. I'm not zooming through there. This is the best way.

Eugene Meltsner: But all these traffic lights!

Bernard Walton: There's one main highway that gets us out to the airport, and this road will take us straight to it. Then we'll have smooth sailing. Now, just be patient.

Eugene Meltsner: But Mr. Whittaker leaves in approximately 30 minutes!

Bernard Walton: I know that, but there's no point in killing ourselves or somebody else to get there.

Eugene Meltsner: This is terrible.

Bernard Walton: If Connie's calculations are remotely correct, we have less than 20 minutes to get to the airport. Now, you calm down, Eugene. This is Route 24. See that sign? The airport is only two miles away. There's no traffic light.

Eugene Meltsner: Then by all means, put the pedal to the metal!

Bernard Walton: What?

Eugene Meltsner: To borrow the colloquialism.

Bernard Walton: Will you relax?

Eugene Meltsner: I simply cannot believe this is happening. How could Mr. Whittaker leave like this?

Bernard Walton: Seems to me a plane is the best way to get to the Middle East.

Eugene Meltsner: I mean, how could he leave at all?

Bernard Walton: Obviously he got a better offer.

Eugene Meltsner: Offer? How can you equate this catastrophe with a career decision?

Bernard Walton: I'm not talking offer like someone wants to give him more money. I mean offer as in new opportunities, a chance to grow in some new areas. Look, I've been thinking about it and it makes perfect sense. Whit's been in Odyssey a long time. Maybe God decided it was time to take him away. Take him somewhere else where he can help other people who need him.

Eugene Meltsner: But I need him.

Bernard Walton: Maybe not as much as you think. Uh-oh.

Eugene Meltsner: What's wrong?

Bernard Walton: The traffic is slowing down. There's something wrong up ahead.

Eugene Meltsner: It's not possible!

Bernard Walton: Warning: road construction ahead. Expect delays up to 15 minutes.

Eugene Meltsner: Say it isn't so!

Bernard Walton: It's so.

Eugene Meltsner: But I can see the airport just up ahead! We're so close!

Bernard Walton: That's it, Eugene. We'll never make it now.

Eugene Meltsner: But I must! Construction or no construction, I have to get through!

Bernard Walton: Wait a minute. What are you doing?

Eugene Meltsner: What else? I'm going to run to the airport! I can't let Mr. Whittaker get away! Eugene!

When I was younger, I ran the mile in six minutes. Following my lack of physical condition, I'll never make it. What am I going to do?

Mr. Rathbone: Is that Eugene Meltsner?

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Rathbone? Boy, I haven't seen you in a long time. Where you been?

Mr. Rathbone: Out of town. Just get back in, did you?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes.

Mr. Rathbone: So why you running in the middle of this field?

Eugene Meltsner: Why are you driving in the middle of this field?

Mr. Rathbone: I hate traffic jams. Decided to take a shortcut. There's a dirt road right over the ridge there. Where you going?

Eugene Meltsner: The airport.

Mr. Rathbone: Me, too! Got to pick up some boxes at the freight office. You need a lift?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. I mean, if you wouldn't mind.

Mr. Rathbone: Hop in!

Guest (Female): We are now boarding all remaining rows for flight 754 to Chicago and continuing on to LaGuardia at gate B-2. All rows may now board.

Tom Riley: Well, Whit, I guess this is it.

John Avery Whittaker: I know we've said our goodbyes and everything, but I want you to know that, well, you know. Don't take any wooden nickels.

Tom Riley: Okay, Tom. And be careful.

John Avery Whittaker: Will do.

Guest (Female): This is our last call for passengers on flight 754 to Chicago and on to LaGuardia. Last call at gate B-2 for all rows.

John Avery Whittaker: Better be going.

Tom Riley: Don't want to miss your plane. Go on, John Avery.

John Avery Whittaker: Okay.

Tom Riley: And Whit, just let me know if you need anything, okay?

John Avery Whittaker: Thanks. Bye, Whit.

Tom Riley: Bye, Tom. God bless. Oh, boy.

Eugene Meltsner: Excuse me, Mr. Rathbone, but exactly where is the freight office? I thought you said it was in the terminal.

Mr. Rathbone: It is. In the back, just around the corner. Right there, see?

Eugene Meltsner: Would you mind stopping?

Mr. Rathbone: What?

Eugene Meltsner: I need to get out!

Mr. Rathbone: Just give me a second. The freight office...

Eugene Meltsner: I need to get out now, please! It's most urgent!

Mr. Rathbone: Just stop! I stopped! I stopped!

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you for the ride!

Mr. Rathbone: That kid has got a problem.

Guest (Male): Pardon me.

Eugene Meltsner: What happened to you? Are you all right? How can I get to the terminal from here?

Guest (Male): What do you think this big building is?

Eugene Meltsner: No, the gates for the passengers, I mean.

Guest (Male): You've got to go around front. This area is for employees only.

Eugene Meltsner: Isn't there a faster way? I'm desperately trying to meet someone.

Guest (Male): The only other way is through there, but you're not allowed in...

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you! Mr. Whittaker! Hey, hey! You can't go that way! Brother. Hey, Murray, you there? This is Walt.

Guest (Male): Yeah, Walt.

Guest (Male): Get airport security back here, will you? Some nut just ran through the restricted area and looks like he's headed for the planes.

Guest (Male): What?

Guest (Male): You heard me.

Guest (Male): Okay, they're on the way. Over and out.

Guest (Male): Over and out.

Guest (Female): May I help you with your bag, sir?

John Avery Whittaker: No, I'll do it.

Guest (Female): Can I get you another pillow?

John Avery Whittaker: No, I have enough pillows, thanks.

Guest (Male): Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for your patience with our delay and for flying with us on what appears to be a beautiful day all the way to Chicago.

We're starting to push away from the gate. We run into any bad spots, we'll alert you to return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Flight crew, please secure doors for departure.

John Avery Whittaker: Lord, help me relax about this.

Eugene Meltsner: Which one is it? Did I miss it? No, wait. It's backing away. That must be his! Wait! I need to find... there he is! Mr. Whittaker! Mr. Whittaker! Mr. Whittaker!

Guest (Male): Look at that man out there!

Guest (Female): Is he crazy? Looks like he's trying to get someone on our plane.

John Avery Whittaker: Good grief. Eugene!

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker! I came to say goodbye! Can you hear me? I came to say goodbye!

Guest (Female): Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Take your seats and fasten your seatbelts.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Goodbye, Mr. Whittaker! Goodbye! Got you! What?

Adam Stanowski: Come with me, young man. You don't belong back here.

Eugene Meltsner: But I was just...

Adam Stanowski: Don't make me have to use force. Now come on, you're under arrest.

Eugene Meltsner: Just say it. Goodbye.

Tom Riley: Tom! Bernard! When did you get back in town?

Bernard Walton: Just now. We heard about Whit and raced over to say goodbye. Is he gone?

Tom Riley: I'm sorry, Bernard. You just missed him. That's his plane headed down the runway there.

Bernard Walton: That's too bad. Did Eugene make it?

Tom Riley: Eugene? I haven't seen him. I wonder what happened to him.

Adam Stanowski: You're making a scene!

Eugene Meltsner: I am not the cause of the scene! I was merely trying to say goodbye to a close personal friend!

Tom Riley: Eugene! Mr. Walton! Mr. Riley!

Adam Stanowski: You know this guy?

Tom Riley: Something I'm about to admit. What's going on here, officer?

Adam Stanowski: This fruitcake was down in the restricted area screaming like a maniac, that's all.

Eugene Meltsner: As I said, I was merely trying to say...

Tom Riley: Quiet, Eugene. Same friend Eugene was trying to see.

Adam Stanowski: So you really know this guy?

Tom Riley: Yeah, I guess he got lost on his way getting to the gate. You know how it is. Saying goodbye to a friend you may not see for a long time. He got carried away in his panic. You understand, don't you?

Adam Stanowski: Yeah, kind of. But he shouldn't be running around in restricted areas. That's an easy way to get hurt.

Tom Riley: Well, I'm sure he knows that now, don't you, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes! I completely understand and can promise on my International Computer Society oath...

Tom Riley: Just say yes, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. You don't really have to arrest him, do you?

Adam Stanowski: Well, no, I guess not.

Tom Riley: Thank you!

Adam Stanowski: But don't let it happen again!

Eugene Meltsner: I won't!

Adam Stanowski: I better get back to work.

Tom Riley: Are you married, Adam?

Bernard Walton: That's called the art of diplomacy, Eugene. I hope you were taking notes.

Eugene Meltsner: I resent being called a fruitcake.

Bernard Walton: Get over it. What in the world were you trying to do, anyway?

Eugene Meltsner: I was trying to say goodbye to Mr. Whittaker. It's a long story. I saw him, Mr. Walton. I screamed and waved. I think he saw me. I don't know. It's not the goodbye I wanted.

Bernard Walton: Goodbyes rarely are. Oh, I think that's his plane taking off now. Farewell, Whit. Eugene, you never cease to amaze me.

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you for rescuing me, Mr. Riley.

Tom Riley: It would be pretty embarrassing to have an employee of Whit's End get arrested the day Whit leaves.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed.

Jack Allen: Excuse me, gentlemen. I couldn't help but overhear. Did one of you mention Whit's End?

Tom Riley: I did.

Jack Allen: Oh, good! I just flew into Odyssey and Whit's End is where I wanted to go first.

Bernard Walton: Really? I should have figured. Turned into a tourist trap while we were gone.

Jack Allen: I'm not exactly a tourist. I'm an old friend of the owner. We grew up together, in fact. Maybe you know him. John Avery Whittaker.

Bernard Walton: Oh. Oh.

Jack Allen: He wrote to me a few weeks ago and said to come and visit. I thought I'd surprise him.

Tom Riley: Well, I'm not sure how to say this, but it's more of a surprise than you know.

Jack Allen: It is?

Tom Riley: Yeah, Whit just left for the Middle East.

Jack Allen: He left?

Tom Riley: Plane just took off. We don't know how long he'll be gone. Could be a year, maybe more. I'm real sorry.

Jack Allen: I guess I'm going to have to readjust my thinking. Any recommendations for a good hotel near the airport? I can catch a flight tomorrow.

Bernard Walton: That seems like a waste.

Tom Riley: Yeah, I'm not sure we should let an old friend of Whit's come all this way to Odyssey just to turn around and leave again. You may as well come back to Whit's End and see the place.

Jack Allen: I guess I could.

Eugene Meltsner: We have hotel accommodations downtown as well. Do you have a car?

Jack Allen: No.

Tom Riley: Then you can ride with me. I'm going there now.

Bernard Walton: We all are.

Bernard Walton: We are? What about my hot bath?

Eugene Meltsner: You'd allow a hot bath to interfere with this unique opportunity to speak with a friend of Mr. Whittaker's?

Bernard Walton: I'd consider it, yes.

Tom Riley: I'm Tom Riley, by the way.

Eugene Meltsner: And I am Eugene Meltsner.

Bernard Walton: Bernard Walton. Pleasure.

Jack Allen: It's nice to meet you all. I'm Jack. Jack Allen.

Guest (Male): Thank you, Odyssey High. A lot has been said today about our good friend, John Avery Whittaker. Now, it's his turn. Whit!

John Avery Whittaker: Hi, all you wonderful folks. I just wanted to say from the bottom of my heart how much I appreciated and thank you all for sending those lovely cards.

I don't think there's anything that's ever touched me any more than those beautiful cards and those wonderful messages, and all the love and all the caring that came along with them. So from me, God bless you all and thank you. Thank you.

Connie Kendall: So that's what you missed. I videotaped it because I figured you'd want to see it. Even dragged a TV from home.

Eugene Meltsner: Yeah, well, thanks, Connie. I never should have left town. I should have been here.

Bernard Walton: No, Eugene, you didn't know. Nobody knew, Eugene. It happened so fast.

Tom Riley: So it did. I remember when Whit first told me he was moving to Odyssey. I thought he'd lost his mind, but I understand now. He loved this town very much.

Connie Kendall: Well, no more than everybody here loved him.

Jack Allen: If you'll excuse me.

Tom Riley: You don't have to run off. We want to hear some more stories about Whit as a boy.

Jack Allen: Sure, but maybe some other time when it's more appropriate.

Tom Riley: Yeah, I guess so. It was good to meet you, Jack.

Jack Allen: It was nice to meet you, too.

Tom Riley: Come on, I'll walk you out.

Jack Allen: Thanks.

Bernard Walton: Well, guess I'll have that hot bath now. Maybe I'll call my wife, see when she's coming home from her mother's.

Connie Kendall: See you, Bernard.

Bernard Walton: Yeah, see you, Connie. Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Hmm?

Bernard Walton: It's been quite an adventure.

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. Thank you.

Bernard Walton: Yeah, well, see you around.

Connie Kendall: Eugene? Are you all right?

Eugene Meltsner: Of course I am. I'm weary, that's all. It's been a long journey and, of course, racing to the airport... I'm simply worn out.

Connie Kendall: Eugene, it'll be okay.

Eugene Meltsner: It will. It'll have to be. Mr. Whittaker wouldn't have left if he didn't have every confidence that we could cope.

Connie Kendall: Oh, Eugene. It's okay. It's okay. We'll make it.

Eugene Meltsner: Home. No messages on the answering machine. What's in the mail? Bill, bill, flyer, association meeting, and... what? A letter from Mr. Whittaker! What is it? A note?

"Dear Eugene, I'm sorry I missed you. We've been trying to find you, but I'm afraid we won't be able to before I leave. There's a lot I could say, but time has suddenly become very short. So rather than embarrass you by saying how much I've come to love you and how I will pray for you every day, I'd like to leave you with one simple thought: the best is yet to come."

Chris: Adventures in Odyssey's a presentation of Focus on the Family. If you'd like to write to us, just send your letter to Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 4G3.

You may want to ask how to get your own copy of today's episode. It's called "Gone." The address again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995.

"Gone" was written and directed by Paul McCusker. Our production engineer was Dave Arnold, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.