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“Son, it will not be long till your mom and I will be gone. I will not be there to teach you in words or by example. Someone else must take our place. Someday you will have your own children. But they will become independent, marry, and may move away. And take the grandchildren, who would rather be with their friends than Granddad. It is natural for them to want their own lives and careers.” He went on to speak about how friendship becomes especially important in our later years. “At some point, you will no longer be able to work. Old age will take its toll. Most will forget your accomplishments, and someone will take your place quickly and easily. Money won’t be as important. But a comfortable chair, a nice fire, and an old dog will be perfect companions. Work to keep your friends, constantly add new ones as old ones pass away. They will sustain you when life gives you a twist.”
Now as I sit here in the twilight of my life, I understand completely what Dad meant about the importance of friendship. So here is a salute to my childhood friends, Bob Balch, Mary Miller, and Mr. Young, my high school history teacher. To my adult friends and comrades gone from this earth, like Major Tommy Stiver buried in Arlington Cemetery, and Sgt. Jimmy Jones resting somewhere in the forest or rivers of Viet Nam. To my present friends like Charlie Tupper, David Mills, and David Foyt, whom I see and talk to often. But most especially my wife and best friend JoAnn, who brings such joy and love to my life.
Thanks, Dad, for these words of widsom about the importance of friendship.
