One turn around the sun…

Just a year ago, I was celebrating a 60th birthday festival with my high school classmates.  We chose February 29th to have a 60th birthday party for everyone in our class since the odds were slim that February 29th would actually be one of our 60th birthdays.  

That night, I was drawn to a panoramic picture that had been printed on an eight foot long banner.  There I found our classmates assembled on risers in all our 17-18 year old glory.  The ‘official class of 1978 portrait’ was on display to rekindle memories of days gone by.   I watched as classmates crowded around and searched for their younger selves smiling back from the banner.  

One classmate was clearly having more fun finding others in the panorama than reviewing her own visage.  ‘’Oh Kevin, look at you!  All that hair!’’  I looked at where she was pointing and indeed, a thin, red-headed guy was smiling back at me. Next to me on the risers stood my friend Greg and I thought to myself, ‘’I should have contacted Greg to be sure that he was going to be here tonight.‘’  I made a mental note to call him later in the week and check in.

A little later in the evening, I was preparing to step up to the microphone at the DJ booth to deliver a quick tribute to our friend Sheila who had done so much to bring our class together for the birthday celebration.  As I reviewed my notes, our classmate Brooks asked me to look at a post on his cellphone.  It was from Greg.   The post referenced his disappointment at not being able to attend the birthday party and then the reason…ALS. 
     
I looked at Brooks blankly. ‘’Is that Lou Gehrig’s Disease?’’ I asked.   

It was time to do the tribute.  All went well.  I spoke of Sheila being in one of my first high school classes, about her dark eyes, dark hair, and ‘somewhat exotic’ looks.   I told how she was kind to me but made it clear that one  particular ‘exotic’ girl had no time for a short, red headed, smart aleck.  High school can be a humbling experience…

And then I told how Sheila has become a wonderful friend during these past forty years.  Kind, generous to a fault, and an inspiration to many.  

So here we are today, one year, one pandemic later.   

I visited my friend Greg yesterday.  While the ALS has progressed and the isolation from friends has been an added burden, Greg has been an inspiration to us all with his positive attitude and outlook.  He does not talk much and I do not hear…we are quite the handicapped pair.  But I enjoy going by for a visit and receiving a trademark smile, some arching eyebrows that indicate when he approves, and a wink to say ‘thanks for coming by.’  I am blessed to have Greg for a friend.

And as for that ‘exotic’ friend Sheila…I received a text this morning that said, ‘I am in the ER with chest pains’’. 

To anyone reading these words, it has been one heck of a turn around the sun.  Please offer some words of hope and blessing for two special people that enrich the lives of others everyday.  

To Greg and Sheila:

I love you both!

Thanks for listening.

Your friend,
KBM

Kevin Medlin
kevin@mysilentpew.com