Each day I try to spend time meditating on the blessings that God has given me in my life. These times help me eradicate negativity from my mind and allow me to focus on how personally involved God has been in my life. It is in these quiet times that I allow God to bring to my mind people or events in my life for which I can be thankful. But today was a little different...All was quiet on Planet Kirby and I had begun my meditation but I just couldn't focus. Prior to this, I had just read a posting on my favorite social network by a friend who had declared this coming Friday, "Wear Your Hard Hat To Work Day." It all had to do with some space junk getting ready to fall out of the sky later this week. I couldn't meditate, all I could do was laugh...his declaration was vintage Steve.
And then it dawned on me...my life was blessed because of my buddy, Steve. I first met Steve in the eighth grade. We were in the same section, so we had all of our classes together. And since our last names both started with "K" we always sat next to each other. He is the only reason I passed that year. I was more interested in girls than I was math or science and he helped me pass both. In case you don't get subtle hints, I copied off him all the time.
The summer after eighth grade I was riding my bike a few blocks from my house and as I turned onto Memorial Avenue, I was greeted by a model airplane that had been set on fire and tossed into the sky. It landed a few feet from where I skidded my bike to a halt. Looking back, I saw Steve standing on his porch, fist pumping at the success of his first fiery flight. That was the beginning of a friendship that has endured over a period of 37 years.
Throughout high school we became best friends and would eventually have each other as the best man in our weddings. And even though we don't see each other as often as we used to, I know that there is nothing he wouldn't do for me. And the same goes for me. I have so many great memories of growing up and sharing those teenage years with him. While I would like to share so much more, Steve and I have taken an oath of secrecy, so you'll just have to take my word for it when I say that some of the unexplained phenomenons that took place in Cumberland during the 1970's can be attributed to us.
So, I began to thank God for bringing Steve into my life and blessing me with such a great friend and for helping me pass the eighth grade. After my meditation, I began to think back over all the "things" he and I did over the years and I began to laugh all over again. Being blessed and laughing your ass off all in one day...that's a good day.
Be Well.
Bill
