Friday, August 25, 2006

Goodbye Ray

Tuesday was a sad day. I haven't seen one of my ole' high school buddy since, well since high school. That was 42 years ago. His name was Ray.

Yes, my ole' high school chum died. I didn't even know he was sick. Kidney failure got him I guess. There must have been some other issues because his casket was closed. In a way, I am glad it was. It would have been hard for me to look at him because all I can see right now is a strappy 18 year old with a great smile who was a great friend.

Ray was a fun guy. We played football together. We hunted the hills around Hartington together. We drank some illegal beer together. We just hung out together. I had lots of friends but Ray was in that "tight" circle with the two Al's, Forinash, Peterson, Burney, and Me. That was high school. When was the last time you had a tight group of friends like that?

I sat in the pew and listened to the eulogy and biblical readings appropriate to his life. I got caught up a little on what happened to Ray. I saw his kids and their kids. I knew his first wife and met his second one for the first time. It only took about a hour or so.

I spent a couple of minutes alone with him, too. He was under a beautiful red white and blue flag. He would be buried with full military honors on Wednesday at Fort McPhearson National Cemetery out by North Platte. I put my hand on the flag and just simple said...hey buddy, I'm here.

And then, I moved some tears around so he could rest in that special place in my heart until my heart goes silent, too. Goodbye old' buddy. You were much loved.

It's been a long time, huh

Well it has been a long time since I have written anything on here. Please note the sneaky advertising man's catch phrase..."on here."

No, I cannot and will not be smacked about the head for not writing. The fact is, my old fingers hurt from writing. At least I hope they hurt from writing. If that is not the cause, good grief, I may be getting old.

So go ahead. Ask me what I have been writing....a screenplay! Yup, I wrote a no-kidding movie and I am so proud of myself I could almost go on vacation. I would tell you all about it except I don't have the copyright back yet and there may be some sneaky movie mogal lurking around knowing full well that writing a movie was one of my big life goals.

It was a big goal for me. Kind of like getting your driver's license at 16. Or your first legal snootfull at 21. Or that high of highs...your first airplane solo. This was a VERY BIG deal for me.

Will my screenplay make it to the silver screen? Who knows. It's a long shot but life is a long shot. And anyone who knows me can tell you I am a big fan of long shots. That's why I am so poor and so rich at the same time.

Live like you have just fallen off a horse and your eyes have yet to uncross. Go find that critter and ride again. Yehaw!!