I spent my entire childhood at Wildman’s Civil War Surplus. Every summer and school break was spent with Dent at the shop. Many of my business skills today come from my childhood there – and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Let’s be real, he didn’t spend much time away from his shop, but I have wonderful memories of him showing up in his “PT”, “Father” or “Kitt” for Holiday meals. There wasn’t a Holiday, Birthday or big life event that Dent wasn’t a part of, and that is something I am eternally grateful for.
All his vehicles had names, and come to think of it, all his statues and anything of sentimental value had a nickname. People he didn’t trust were snakes (it was one of the few things Dent genuinely despised). His house, the shop, Mom, Dad, my brother and myself all had nicknames. When I was finally able to introduce my kids to Dent, it took no more than a few minutes for those girls to melt his heart. They were blessed with their very own nicknames as well. They painted pictures for him, sent him handmade birthday cards and cherished him as much as he cherished them. Dent is our family, despite what anyone else has to say about it.
As a kid, my nicknames evolved. Each phase of life, our inside jokes, me thinking I was too cool for all the adults around me – Dent would just update and add to the collection of names for me. It was and is a true honor and blessing to be one of the people to have been genuinely loved by Dent.
He taught me at a young age to listen carefully and remember not everything is as it seems. Now, with the persistent chaos since his passing, there is nothing truer. I constantly hear him say, remember, not everything is as it seems. Dent knew who his true family was, and he loved us unconditionally. There is a reason Mom was called “Marj in charge”, there is a reason she is his “Wildmaam” and a reason that he spent at least my entire life ensuring she was groomed and ready to carry on for him when he passed.
For those that are on the side of shutting his shop down, know this. His blood-family were all called their government names, they weren’t recognized with anything more than his sister, blood looking for a handout or snakes. At least that is what he told me and ensured I knew in the handful of times his blood relatives came around.
That has proven true to this day, as it appears some people have decided to make up some “facts” in an attempt to close the shop while ignoring Dent’s wishes and intentions at any cost. All I can say about that is, Bless Their Hearts. I pray that they get the wake up call they need and actually honor Dent and his wishes, or at the very least stop sending the “pitchforks” after those of us that are honoring and following Dent’s directives.