What I would have said....

Last week, we said goodbye to a man who has been part of my life since I was 13.  We met in 7th grade, during a cross class discussion in Social Studies at Johnson Junior High.  It was in June as we finished our 7th grade year up.

Of course, if you are a teacher, work in a school, or remember your own school days, you know about June in school.  Nearly impossible to keep kids learning once the warm weather hits, teachers will do just about anything to keep those kids busy.  So our Social Studies teachers paired up kids from each class, and set topics for discussion.  No, of course I don't remember the topic!

I do, thought, remember that we argued for the better part of 30 minutes.  It set up our relationship for the rest of his life.  It also taught me that one can argue with people and still be friends.

We argued about the weather.  Was it going to rain?  What was the pollen count?  Tree or grass?  He had wicked bad allergies, and I developed some as I got older.

We argued about diapers. Cloth or disposable?  Our 2 younger kids are the same age as his kids.

We argued about cars.  What was faster?  Dodge or Ford...he was a Mustang man for awhile.

We argued about politics (naturally).  He was a conservative (about many things) and I am a liberal (about many things).

We argued about what was better done by women, better done by men.  You all can probably figure that one out.

We argued about what may have caused Mom's dementia.  We eventually agreed about that one.

We argued about life in general.  If a leaf was blowing one way, we might argue about that!

We, however, agreed about so much in life.

You do only live once.

Travel is the way you stay alive, even if it is local.

Go to places you have never been before, even if they are around the corner.

Eat food that is different from what you regularly eat, as often as possible.

Treat yourself once in a while.

Read to learn.

Read for pleasure.

Have a bucket list and work it.

Treat those you love with respect.

Love generously.

When people are horrible to you, leave them alone.

Walk away when you must.

I will miss this man every day.  Today, I wanted to ask him a question...I forgot for a minute that I couldn't do that anymore, except in my mind.

Ask your questions...love everyday.  Don't pass up a chance to do what you can for those you love. Hold the good tightly.  Those halcyon days go by so very fast.