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.