We met in 5th grade and I knew then that this young man would be pivotal in my life even at the tender age of 10. There was something about him that gave me the knowing that there he’d be on the worst day of my life some 8 years later when my beloved sister passed from this earthly domain. I recall him meeting me at the end of the driveway ready to console me and he did so by his mere presence. He had the courage to appear when most of my acquaintances became shrinking violets. Many meant well but when people don’t know what to say they stay away when in truth there were no words anyone could say. He became my best friend that day even though I knew it long before.
He was instrumental in elevating my courage when I donned skis for the first time and his fearlessness was my example to venture when my heart was timid. He loved the Beach Boys and 50 years later those songs still resonate with me as but one of his gifts he bestowed on me. We experienced many of the rights of passage of youth and it was he who was responsible to guide me into the college that would alter my course irrevocably.
Magically he arrives again after a long hiatus and I know that because I am playing a different instrument he hears the music. I wasn’t ready for him for so many years but now I think I just might be. My best friend Bobby is again standing at the end of my driveway. There are no coincidences none.
No comments:
Post a Comment