I Envy Those With Only A Few Close Friends

I envy those people who say  they only have one or two close friends. That way when one or both of them are gone, they won't have any more pain from those relationships. Or someone with one or two siblings. When they are gone, you never have the pain of loosing a brother or sister or best friend. 

Randy died on Tuesday. Randy is the first in my class to have passed, and it was sudden and a shock. From what I have been told, he had gone to the hospital two weeks ago for pain in one of his legs. When they got the tests back they found cancer. I guess further tests show that it had spread to his stomach and other lower organs. 

Two weeks later he was gone. He passed away in his sleep.

I was in shock when I first heard. I immediately started notifying all the Old Boys who knew him. None of us could believe it. He was 51. 

You see, I have many, many close friends. I say 'friend' so that you understand. But they are my family. We have a bond that transcends simple terms like 'best friend' or 'brother' as there are women in this group. They fought hard to make sure they also got the term "Old Boy." 

Randy was the jokester, the wise cracking, Jack Daniels drinking, Texan. I had just talked to him a month ago and nothing seemed amiss. 

So I envy those with only one or two special people. Those who say they can count on one hand they love and trust and are close friends with. Using two hands I don't even get out of the "A"s.

You may think I am over-reacting. Then you don't understand. You ask any military person how close the bonds they have with their fellow comrade-in-arms. With me, these relationships started 37 years ago. Some of our brethren have worn and are still wearing the uniform of United States Armed Forces. Some traded them to be law enforcement at all levels. And some went their own path. 

I am in contact with many through the years, BEFORE the Internet. Through phone calls, reunions, letters and social organizations (OK, I really need to explain that one. It's funny, trust me)

A few years after I graduated Kemper I joined a Star Trek fan club. I also realized that the U.S. Mail would forward things to people who moved. So I signed up a lot of my fellow Old Boys. I did this for a couple of reasons; it helped my with membership numbers. It made sure that I knew if one of them moved, I would get notification of their new address. And they would remember me and it was a way to 'poke' them every time they got something Star Trek. 

Ray was deployed during the first Desert Storm. When mail call came around it was announced to him, "Hey Sgt ________. You got something from STARFLEET. Hey, Captain Kirk, come get your mail."  You can imagine a group of combat personnel, in the desert, with not a lot of entertainment. I have a feeling that Ray got more than his share of comments.

And then there was Randy; who said because I had signed him up for STARFLEET he could never run for office in Texas as they would only want to know about him joining. He good natured threatened me many times over that (I think it was good natured...)

The last time I spoke to Randy was a month ago. He had called me three times, when we finally talked and got our usual pleasantries out of the way, the conversation went something like this: 

Randy: I was at the Austin library and found…have you heard of these re-mastered Star Trek dvds?

Me: Yes Randy I have…. (he cut me off)

R: I used to be able to tell what episode it was by the planet, but now…. I mean they look great and all but do you think that by changing them they have changed the whole story? I remember reading somewhere about Lucas changing the affects and that some fans weren't happy because by changing that they changed the feel…

It went on and on like that for twenty minutes straight (Randy could talk). 

Finally I had to say, “Randy, yes I have heard of them and seen a few clips (he had obviously seen them all). You do know who you are talking too? I signed you up for STARFLEET and you were mad because you said you could never get elected!”

I had photo-shopped Randy’s face onto a Star Trek uniform and sent it to him as a joke, but I guess it wasn't that much of a joke seeing how passionately and seriously he talked. My favorite picture is when the ‘jazz band ensemble’ at Kemper dressed up at Halloween and got our picture taken. Randy was in full Conan regale and poised with us. I have always said it reminds me of an album cover. It’s my wallpaper on my phone. I had to call those guys in the picture to let them know Randy was gone. 

One of my favorite Belushi’s bit was as him as Kirk. I can see Randy in Command gold now. 

So you see why I envy those with just a few. I don't look forward to receiving any more early morning phone calls. But I wouldn't trade my Kemper family for anything. I am so glad I have the time I have with them .

But still...I miss you Randy. I can still hear your voice and laugh. I'll raise a glass of Jack Daniels in your honor. 

"And when you stand on that last great day, before the eternal judge, may you hear from His lips the approving sentence: Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord."