Fred Gregory. September 19, 1946—June 4, 1980.Seems like yesterday I'd see you getting out of that big Ford, your shirt unbuttoned, sweating as if you had been working. Cowboy boots and a black cowboy hat. Yeah, you were one bad Texan. Friday nights playing deuces-wild poker with everybody knowing that you were cheating but not being able to catch you. Laying out of work on Thursdays. Being a dumb-ass and breaking your arm while riding the Odyssey. Camping at the lake. Getting stranded on Rich Mountain on a cold November night. Those god-awful farts that only you knew the recipe to generate. Your worst vulnerability was being too good to people. That great summer on the houseboat. Your complete inability to catch a fish. The time or two that we got drunk. We really miss you. Being around you changed our lives in many ways, and when you left us, we were never the same.
Thanks for the memories, Bro. We loved you then and we love you now.
I would have posted a picture of us together, but it would have embarrassed both of us. Orange and white Texas Instruments softball uniforms. Worse yet, it was Texas burnt orange. Humiliating.
2 comments:
Ken,
Thank you so much for the picture and the memories you shared. Poker games, camping and boating at the lake, oh yes and the wild and crazy riding of the Odyseey, and a few parties here and there along with softball in Texas Orange; what great and wonderful memories were made in just a few short years. It has always amazed me how many true friends my parents made in the few short years they lived here before Daddy's passing. Thanks to each and everyone of you!
Love and Hugs,
Nessa! ;-)
You are so welcome, Nessa. Just about everything I do or see reminds me of my old friends.
A big hug back atcha!
Post a Comment