Bill was one of my friends I’ve known since kindergarten at Daniel Dickinson. When we all walked home en masse, we stopped at his house first, since he was less than two blocks away. Actually, we stopped at the candy store across the street from his house, where I usually bought red shoestring licorice.
High school was full of cliques, but Bill was one of those people who got along with the jocks and the politically active freaks. Yet he was always able to be his own guy; I admired how he negotiated that. He was, unsurprisingly, senior class president.
A bunch of the Dickinson kids attended our 10th-year high school reunion, and it was actually quite a bust; i.e., boring as all get out. But some of the Dickinson kids decided to get together ourselves. Some months later Carol, Lois, Karen and I all descended on Bill’s house. We went shopping for food, stayed up all night talking and eating. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
A short time later, I went to his wedding. Don’t remember the service, but I do recall the reception was in a chalet near here.
When we had our 32nd-year reunion(!), it was a better-organized event, or maybe I viewed it differently. Still, it was seeing Bill and the other Dickinson kids that made the trip worthwhile.
Bill and I don’t live that far away, yet fail to see each other that often. I took a train to New York City one time and ran into Bill. I’ve met him unexpectedly other times as well.
Happy birthday to friend Bill.
There are people who are just like that, able to get along with anyone. It’s a great talent!
Thank you Roger for the kind words and remembrances. I don’t think that I’ve ever been the subject of a feature article before this one! However, I would like to add that you are quite correct in the friendships and comradery that was created so long ago (was it really?). Maybe it was the atomic bomb drills on the eve of destruction that created a bond. It could also have been your father coming to sing to our class in 4’th grade (correct me if I am wrong about the time frame). I still have the pictures from that event.
I truly feel that same way that you do. Friendships are not measured by the number of times that we see each other as much as how we feel about each other in between those times. I am glad to know you and to consider you my friend and whose friendship has stood the test of time.
Thanks again and may our paths cross again soon.
Best wishes to you and your family during this holiday season and in the coming year.
Bill
Actually, Bill, my father came to our class at least four times between second and fifth grade. I’d love to see the pictures sometime, if you come across them.