Only a minute
- by Dr. Kelly Forbes
Special to The Gayly
This story was written by Dr. Kelly Forbes, candidate for Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor. For more information on Kelly, visit www. forbesforoklahoma.com.
It was only a one-minute difference. That’s what the GPS said.
There was a segment of Route 66 that said it was 1 minute faster to take the highway instead of Route 66. And it made me think…
How often do we miss the beauty, the people, the stories right in front of us… because we’re trying to save a minute?
We started the morning at Lake Overholser at Lacy Landing, then made our way into Yukon down Main Street, where we stopped at a Czech bakery. Kind owners. Incredible food. A space that felt like home.
I had a kolache so good I went back for another. The owner told us they used to hand them out from their food truck as business cards because they believed in what they made. And I’ll say it again. They’re that good.
That’s Oklahoma.
We continued into El Reno, where the auto auction was packed, and Main Street was alive. We stopped at Heroes Plaza to honor 206 soldiers who gave their lives in four wars. And I couldn’t help but think about my Papa. His 44 years of service. My mom. My dad. Their service to our country. That moment stays with you.
We went on to Fort Reno, learning about the cavalry history and the role this community has played in serving our nation for generations.
Then back on Route 66, heading west. Through Hinton. Bridgeport. Small towns with big pride. We stopped at Lucille’s, where we were reminded again that kindness and hospitality aren’t just words here. They’re how people live.
We met people from all over the world along the way. Kansas. Missouri. Texas. Canada. And beyond. Route 66 isn’t just a road. It’s a path of movement. Of migration. Of people searching for something better. And Oklahoma is part of that story.
We stopped in Clinton at the Route 66 Museum, then continued west through Foss, Canute, Elk City, Sayre, Mangum, and Erick until we reached Texola—the last stop on Route 66 in Oklahoma.
From the Kansas border to the Texas border. Four days. One road. Countless stories.
We met Debbie, who spent years in finance and now uses her history degree to tell Oklahoma’s story to people from all over the world. We met a bank teller in Weatherford who loves her town, even if she’s still adjusting to the Oklahoma heat. We met a student finishing their nursing degree, ready to serve communities across our state.
And it reminded me of something Will Rogers once said. “What constitutes a life well spent? Love and admiration from your fellow men is all that anyone can ask.” And also this. “We are here for a short time. So get a few laughs and do the best you can.”
That’s what I saw across Oklahoma.
People doing their best, serving others. Building something that lasts.
And here’s what I’m taking with me—every mile matters. Every town matters. Every story matters. Every person matters.
And if we want to move Oklahoma forward… We can’t skip over it. We have to show up. We have to listen. We have to invest in every part of it.
I’m grateful for this journey. And I’m even more energized to serve this great state.
This story was used with the permission of Dr. Kelly Forbes, candidate for Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor, during his tour of Route 66 in Oklahoma. In the words of Kelly, “Tomorrow, we keep going. Follow along. I’m thankful to share the beauty of our great state!” For more information, visit forbesforoklahoma.com and follow him on social media for more stories like this one.
The Gayly online. 4/6/26 @ 2:40 p.m. CST.