My family is in Northeast Oklahoma. Our property includes a creek off the Illinois. I’ve spent a lot of time in Ozark territory. One of my most prized possessions is a signed early ( not 1st, unfortunately) edition of Where the Red Fern Grows. I loved it as a kid because we were from Tahlequah and that might be the only book ever about Tahlequah lol.

Also I have huge daddy issues. I feel a pain similar to yours. ( I won’t cheapen yours by claiming to actually feel it).

Also your title made me giggle ( sorry) at the antichrist reference from the atheist. Just a teeny giggle.

Back to the story I go.