In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, I attended the Garfield School in Parkersburg, West Virginia. One of my classmates was a big boy named Oliver. He was a very quiet boy. I remember every time I saw him enter or leave the classroom, there was a circle of pale, yellow light around his head. As a mere child of seven or so, I never thought this was unusual, just pretty.
In those days, it was common for students to walk home for lunch. One early, warm, spring day, I returned from lunch and noticed our class was very quiet. Our teacher said, “Class, please give me your attention, I have something very important to tell you.” In a very somber voice she said, “One of your classmates will not be returning today or ever.” She went on to explain that Oliver had been hit by a car while he crossed the street on his way home for lunch. He had died a short time later.
Then she asked each of us to stand and tell the class what we liked about Oliver. When it was my turn, I said, “I liked the pretty lights.” The other kids laughed and I cried. My teacher was a kind woman and she only smiled at me. I have thought about that incident over fifty years ago and I truly believe she saw Oliver’s Halo, too.
True West Virginia Ghost Stories eBook
Our complete story collection is now available as an 880 page digital ebook that you can download to your computer or mobile device. After downloading your copy of the ebook, you can read it anywhere without needing an internet connection.
... or feel free to make a contribution.
