EOT

Winkelmann was a literal ghost town near Brenham in Texas. It was created by a local who relocated the buildings, initially staging them as a tourist stop. When we lived in Winkelmann the town sat abandoned, leaving Jimmy and me our very own western town. Our dad was never around, busy working, and he also developed a drug habit around that time. Luckily for Jim and me, there was a pond full of catfish. We made our own fishing poles, the same way we made our own lives from the dirt, hungry and determined to carve out a positive, safe existence for us in the world. 
I was the worm getter, which means you dig for bait. I once found a Native Arrowhead that brought me strength for many years before it was returned. The saloon was so cool, just like you saw on TV, and I would play for hours dancing, playing piano, or sliding glasses down the wooden bar top. We even had go-carts that we raced through the streets. I could pretend to buy a suit at the tailor shop or observe Winkelmann's exotic collection of arachnids. Whatever we were doing, these were my most treasured times with my brother. My protector. 
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In the 80's, that big 2-story house at the end of the street was painted bright red. The upstairs was one large room perfect for skateboarding. Jim not only ensured his little sister was safe, but he was determined to divert my attention from our unfortunate circumstances. He always gave me the last wiener in the pack and the last of the blue box. Jim was my safe island. He was my best friend, my father, my brother, my therapist, my unyielding supporter. Jim was the most amazing human I have known in my lifetime. He was my hero, and he is with me every day. Love you always my sweet brother, "Sis" and God Bless Texas