Submitted by Dick of Verdigris, Oklahoma   12/6/17

Marilyn In "62" Marilyn and I went on an evening date having dinner at Boots Drive In, then to 15th and Sheridan to race Go-Carts. As I was buying the tickets she ran to her chosen go-cart like an excited young girl would. It was a fun evening with Marilyn. At our 50th High School Reunion I asked Marilyn to dance with me. Just after we started she looked up at me and said, "Dick, do you remember our date at Boots and then going go-cart riding?" "Sure, I do!" was my answer. "You never called me for a second date, why didn't you?" was her question. With her still in my arms, I stopped us dancing, looked down into her eyes as they were looking at me and kindly said, "Girls are not supposed to beat guys at go-carting!" Her hardy, strong laugh filled my heart and encouraged us to set down and start remembering other school day memories. That's what high school reunions are all about. Today, Marilyn is in a deep Alzheimer condition. Now, missing Marilyn.

 

Submitted by Dick of Verdigris, Oklahoma   12/6/17

His Name is Bobby. Don't know how he became my best friend, but, it hasn't stopped and it is not expected to. When did it happen? Sometime in the beginning of our 8th grade. Bobby and I had gone to the same elementary school since the family moved into the area while I was in the second grade. Don't remember knowing him while at that school but had to have seen him on the school grounds and, most certainly, in the special class for students that wanted to learn to play a musical instrument. For me, that special class started at the beginning of the 5th grade as I began on the Clarinet and he on the Coronet.

Today, he and I can set together and recall many common things that we experienced and people we knew at that elementary school, but not able to recall any moments of being together; guess it just wasn't time for that yet. At the junior high school we attended we were in the band together starting in the seventh grade, but, still no “buddy ship” began. However, in the 8th grade, something happened, at some time, somewhere and for some reason, we became friends. Why? Simply and selfishly I can say, it was supposed to happen so that my life, thereafter, was to be benefited by his friendship. My folks always loved knowing that Bobby was my friend because they knew he had quality within him and that gave them comfort. Being at his home was very enjoyable for several reasons; plenty to do and his Mom was the loveliest, sweetest lady this writer knew during my young life. Once, when at his house I said, “I need to head home”. His Mom replied, “Oh, do you have to go?” I was stunned, no, shocked by those words. Later in life while attending her funeral service the preacher presented Bobby’s mom as a person that always did say those type of words when she was in conversation with anyone. Never the mind the word “anyone” because, once she had said to me, “Oh, do you have to go?” I felt as a special person in her life. Others surely enjoyed hearing her say welcoming words like that. So why do I mention Bobby's Mom? Just wanted you to know that the most kind environment Bobby was raised in contributed to his like-able, warm personality. His Dad? Also a person enjoyable to be around but, I didn't have as much opportunity to associate with his dad. Physically, Bobby appeared almost as a “clone” of his dad. Really, not a bad looking package, this fellow named Bobby. There were many happy days with Bobby that will always be remembered. However there was one sad day in the early summer of 57. I had announced to him that the family was going to move across town. He was irritated and said, “Don’t know how we're going to be able to continue this friendship in the way we have”. Bobby was right and did confirmed what was bothering me, as well. The family wanted to move closer to Dad's work location. I didn't want to leave my “comfort zone” and this friend of mine, but what was I to do? I had to go with the family, of course. As years passed by, Bobby and I seemed to be able be together enough to remind me of his faithfulness. Of course, we made other friendships, which both he and I shared with each other when the opportunities were present. Because he had obtained his driver’s license before I received mine he was kind enough to show up at my house more than I was able to be at his. His presence was always welcomed by me and my family. Many years have now gone by with each of us living progressive lives because of good education, marrying the right girls and being blessed with wonderful children coming to the families near the same time. Enjoyable vacations together in our younger family days, wonderful dinners, conversations and laughter have been sprinkled throughout our lives. Reasons for prayer for each other and those we love have added to the depth of this wonderful friendship I have had with this friend of mine, named Bobby.