Friends Later In Life

Friends later in life

I have been very lucky to have made some of my best friends later in life.

From Donna to Ron to Jon and Larry here in the DC area to Bob in Philly and Bob in the Harrisburg area, it's been my pleasure to call all these folks my friends.

It hasn't been easy. I remember a time when I WANTED more friends because I thought I didn't have enough compared to everyone else. Ok, I didn't say I was particularly BRIGHT when it came to social expectations. I've been a loner most of my life and I'm comfortable with plenty of "my time". As much as I like interacting with folks, I find it strange that I enjoy solitary confinement as well. Hmmmmm.

Anyway, it's not surprising, I guess, that most of my new bff's were from work. Since the job has been a big part of my life for the last couple decades, seems natural to pull from that area.

Bob in the Harrisburg area is like the older brother I never wanted (that's our joke!). The reality is I don't know a more logical, straight-talking guy than Bob. He will tell you the truth without fail and he has been my own personal computer god since I bought my first pc. He's someone that was very skeptical of who I was through reputation, but as time wore on, he realized that I wanted to help him as much as I could. We had fun working together and I enjoyed meeting a LOT of his clients. He's been with the company longer than I'm alive and I can't imagine anyone having a better insurance man. We talk every now and then to catch up and I always try and stop by the house when I'm up that way for what is always a nice visit. He's not the kind of guy that wants to hear it, but I treasure Bob more than he knows. Truly he is someone i can't imagine NOT having in my life  It's just unfortunate that I get more out if it than he does!

My other Bob is in Philly. It's funny but they both, despite being very different in nature, seem to like our conversations no matter we are talking business or my latest stupid thing. Philly Bob is the wealthiest man I know, but he is far more rich in character and spirit. He has enriched my life at a time when I needed it and continues to be a guy I can count in to make me laugh. Bob has a way of looking at things that makes me realize good folks are still out there.  Truly one of the finest human beings On earth and I am proud to call Bob my very good friend.

In the move to the DC area, I had no idea I would add to my friends with such diversity, but it shouldn't surprise me. DC must stand for diversified cultures because, at any moment, you could just as easily be with someone from the local area or from halfway around the world. If you pay attention, there's a lot to learn from every corner of the globe right here in Silver Spring.

I met Donna online and we had a wonderful first date. Much more than that, she became someone who i depended on to bring a smile to my face. She's funny and hard-working, pretty and compassionate. She's a special lady who deserves every good thing that happens  in her life. She has given me way more in our friendship than i could ever return and yet asks for nothing. My own personal angel...

Larry worked with me at United Insurance and made my time there more enjoyable for sure. If ever I met a man I could trust with anything, Larry is the one. I doubt if he even knows how much better my life is with his friendship. Those moments when i was lower than low, Larry would join me for a lunch and things were just a little better. My voice of reason, my model for a loving family man, my very great friend, thanx for being there, back then and now, my lunch mate and more....

And finally, there is Ron. I met Ron at work while I was suffering with a job I hated and unhappy with life in general. He is what we all should aspire to be - true to himself, proud of himself, no need to change himself because he is great (except in cards where he is an SOB). If someone asked for a perfect example of what a friend SHOULD be, I vote Ron. He's fun to spend time with, always a good talker, and I'm sure he has to wonder at times why he tolerates ME. I'm thankful he does and his friendship means much more than he knows, despite my not visiting as often as I want.

All these people I met or befriended after 35. How lucky am i? I play the lottery every week, but these guys (and gals) make me feel I already won...

I love all of you, whether you like it or not! Thanx for being a part of this wonderfully interesting thing I call my life....