Today's Recollections

 08.09.2022

*1959-My childhood/teen years best friend was born. More on him later.

*1854-Thoreau's "Walden" is published. 

*1898-Rudolph Diesel obtains a patent for his Diesel Engine. 

*1936-Jesse Owens, part of an American 4x100 relay team, sets a world record, winning Gold in the Berlin Olympics. It was one of four that he won.

*1945-Our country dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. An estimated 60,000 to 80,000 people were killed. Knee-jerk reaction much?

*1969-Manson Family commits the Tate-LaBianca murders.

*1971-Satchel Paige inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

*1995-South Africa celebrates it's first National Women's Day.

*2002-Barry Bonds hits his 600th home run.

*2016-Michael Phelps wins the men's 200m Butterfly for Gold, his 20th Gold Medal.

Of course there's more, this just a smattering of historical events. But nowhere is *Donald Lee Durham* mentioned.

There was one house between his & ours, a well worn path front & back. Early years of playing outside, sandpiles and Matchbox vehicles, hide & seek, playing at the creek, going to his farm, trikes, bicycles, minibikes, motorcycles, and finally cars. So much in between. If you've had a best friend growing up, you know what's up. Very special.

Early one morning, I got the call. He & a mutual buddy had been killed in a car wreck. Shit. He was 21. So many lives changed that day. For me, I tried to stop the pain of my loss with alcohol & drugs...for 10 years. He may be gone, but will never be forgotten.

Then, within a year of what would be the greatest loss in my lifetime, I met my new best friend. Within 9 months, we were married. My Bride of nearly 40 years was pretty sure I had a problem. Depression was never mentioned, as my times of extreme sadness was quickly resolved with beer. She never gave up on me, but the time came when I had tested her patience with my deceit about 'moderate consumption', which never really worked out. Enter AA.

Now, 43 years later after his, so many lessons learned. Never take tomorrow for granted. Never back baby into a corner. Never be afraid to ask for help. Sorely miss you, ol' buddy.

PSA: Please never, ever, hesitate to reach out for help for alcohol or drug addictions. Help is everywhere.

Thank you for stopping in.