A dear friend of mine whom I have known since 1974 flew into Houston last weekend and I drove down and met up with him and another friend of mine that I've known since 1979. What can I say, it's GREAT to have GREAT friends that can withstand the passing of time and the travail of ages. The three of us survived college and being roommates somehow.
Now, that is a Texas sized desert.
Unfortunately, we had one empty chair at the table of another most outstanding friend of ours that passed away three long years ago. So, instead of the band of four, it's now the band of three. I think of our dear friend daily and long to hear his voice and wisdom. Here's to you Jimmy! Gone but never ever forgotten. Affectionately known as "Radioactive Matt"...
That's What Friends are For...
- "This guy's walking down the street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can't get out.
- "A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up, 'Hey you. Can you help me out?' The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on.
- "Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up, 'Father, I'm down in this hole can you help me out?' The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on
- "Then a friend walks by, 'Hey, Joe, it's me can you help me out?' And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, 'Are you stupid? Now we're both down here.' The friend says, 'Yeah, but I've been down here before and I know the way out.'"
Shane Allen
Head of Synchro32 North American Operations
Simply amazing that none of us has aged one single bit since our college years. Looking good men - keep up the good work...
Very Nice. And no, my hand is not on Trey's knee.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I look like I am the same weight as when that picture was taken at the beach!
Great pictures, Shane. I hadn't seen a few of those.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Jim couldn't have been there. He was the best friend I've ever had and you guys were great friends to him.
Another friend of ours had a dream about him the other night. An excerpt: "All I remember is him telling me that he was doing fine and he gave me a really big smile like he was really happy."
I like to think she's right.
Dear Shane, Thank you for your wonderful note. I tried to send a "comment" as Chris and Tracy had done but didn't know how plus I don't have a profile so it didn't go through, but here's what I wanted to say so manybe you can post it for me.....
ReplyDeleteWe are so very touched by all these wonderful pictures and words. Thank you with all our hearts to each and every one of you for being the truest, the most loyal, sometimes the most fun-loving, but above all else always the very, very best & most dear friends Jimmy could ever have.
Tracy, I'm sure your friend is correct. I also believe Jimmy is even happier than we can possibly imagine, especially knowing his friends always keep a chair or stool ready and a plate set for him at the table or 'round the fire pit. You know he would do the same.
Again, our deepest thanks. You have made our hearts a little lighter today.
May God bless all of you, each and everyone!
Jim's Mom and Dad
(Mary and Carl Schwing)