Close Encounters of the Weird Kind

Ya know, basically, I had a good childhood. I had an overwhelming mother, but I assume it was due to my health issues as a child. It sucked having Asthma, it sucked being anemic, it sucked having ear infections that persisted a good portion of my young life.

So, when I wanted to do something with friends there were always restrictions. That's why I loved jumping into bales of hay and running free in the midwestern countryside wheezing and gasping for air. Ah, sweet freedom!

It was a magical period of life. Exploring woods, shooting BB guns, hell!, shooting shotguns with magnum shells that could knock a kid on his ass.

Living in the country was great, but limited to how many friends one could have depending on your geo'locale.

I guess that's when I started to foster my creative side which had an impact on how I would later choose my friends.

I met "D" in our home room in middle school. He was to say the least, weird. He was totally into something else of a more intellectual level. Of course, he and I and Lawrence were all three "different". Each complimenting the other.

It wasn't until my HSchool years that our friendship actually bonded and we became our "own clique".

"D" was interested in the sciences, Lawrence in electricity, me, well, insurance. The kind of insurance a small skinny kid in HS needs, basically, big friends. Trust me HS was one place I did not want to be. There were the Jocks that enjoyed the torment. I remember many a trash can and locker and toilet. It's kinda good to know that I can outrun most of them today at 55.

Back to "D"...

We "hung out" as a group. There were quite a few of us "misfits" that felt easy in the company of one another.

As I mentioned in my blog of Lawrence, it was "D" who was the "brainiac" in our little rock band. It was "D" who came up with the name of our band The Pyloric Valves. It was "D" who named the song Intestinal Trek. And it was "D" who saw our band going nowhere. We had fun, but sisters don't make good groupies.

After graduation "D" and I lost touch, but still mantained a friendship. It was 1971, Nam was in the picture, social movements were the issues and there was the infamous, "Jesus Freak" train which "D" got on board.

Mind you, I'm not of any denomination and don't wish to be, I figure we all die the same and whatever happens, happens. My epitaph will read; "Don't know where I came from, don't know where I'm going". I'm not opposed to religion and I try to think of myself as a "spiritual" kinda guy in the sense that I believe life is more special, mysterious and multidimensional than any words, or thoughts could ever concieve. If I don't know, who should know better?!! Eh?

"D" joined the masses and started his church. It almost seemed he had changed overnight from the "arguing against the existence of God" to the complete opposite. And I have to say (sorry "D") it was unbearable. He was constantly trying to get me to join. The harder he tried the more I avoided him.

So, you're probably wanting to know how he was one of the influences in my life?!

He piqued MY intelectual side. He was and is without a doubt one of the few people in my life that knows something about everything. I kid you not. "D" is one of those individuals who constantly asks questions. Never afraid to delve into areas of the mind, sciences, life, etc.

The other redeeming quality about him is his giving nature and his concern for his friends and family.

He has tempered from the years. His mind is still asking questions and his faith guides his path in life. To this day we remain best of friends and regard each other with the respect of brothers.

I enjoy the conversations I can have with he and a few that I can't with others (no disrespect intended). We don't talk politics, but we talk science, the arts and issues more closely related to the human species than a couple "puppet" politicians could muster.

And I can say he cooks a "good" steak.

It is nice to grow older with good friends in which life is momentarily comfortable with a good single malt scotch and a good cigar.

Now that's livin'!!!

Take care my friend. We'll see each other soon.

Love Ya!