Daniel - 29 March 2010
Recently my mind went back to an old friend of mine from a number of years ago. He and I became acquainted through the work I did for him, but over years our acquaintance turned into true friendship.
He was born & raised in Missouri and came to Utah on his way through working in the CCCs. He met a young lady in the Ogden Valley, who he later married. As he told it, their marriage took place in the Bishop's field, with the Bishop in his work clothes, as my friend insisted it be done, as I recall.
He was a Missourian, through and through, and often talked about living his life among the 'Saints'. He had little positive to say about "the church" and its members in general, and his least favorite question of all was when he was asked "Are you LDS?".
He was a little partial to David O. McKay who was from the valley up there, and additionally once told me the story of when he was in the hospital for some surgery, and in the night he said he had all sorts of visions, things like seeing Moses part the Red Sea and such. He said that at first he thought it was a bad reaction to the medications he was being given, but the next morning he heard that "That Kimball Man" was in the room next to his, and he then said that he figured they had "just piped it into the wrong room".
He could talk up a storm with language that, well, that was very, uh, well, you get the idea. I told him once that I didn't think that they had those words back when he was a kid. He looked at me and said "Daniel, back then was when we knew HOW to use words like that". He did have a unique style of phrasing things.
Over the years he and I knew each other I think we talked about pretty much everything. He was proud to be a Democrat, and spoke openly about his feelings on politics. Because I generally find myself on the more conservative side of things, we had many lively discussions - sometimes even heated discussions - but in the end, we were friends. I think the best of friends.
I know I offended him often in those discussions, and he didn't hold back on his side of things either - not even a little.
I'll never forget how he told me that he knew the Book of Mormon was a fake. He said he read the first few pages about an angel (Moroni) coming to Joseph Smith through a 'conduit'. He said that anybody who knows a (blank) of a (blank) about anything knows that it's water that travels through conduits and not angels. What can you say to that?
One day we were discussing the president at the time, and some of the things that were flying around in the media about him being a draft dodger. I'll never forget him looking at me, pointing to the picture of his son who was killed in Vietnam and saying, "Wish to God that my son had been a draft dodger".
He loved Johnny Cash - and sometime before his death he asked me if I would sing two of his favorite songs at his funeral, "Don't Step on Mother's Roses" and his all time favorite song "The Caretaker". I've never sung Johnny Cash songs in public before or since, but was proud to do so for my friend.
Thank goodness for good friends like that. Anyone who knows me soon sees where I'm at on a number of subjects of some controversy. Generally, however, when hearts are right and intent is sincere, even the most different of people can be the best of friends. I look forward to seeing my friend one day and telling him thanks for all of the kindness and wisdom he shared with me over the years of our friendship.
I'm so grateful for good friends, wherever they may come from.
Hi Dad! Gosh, what has it been now since I last talked to you and heard your voice. The calendar says that its 52 years, 2 months and 21 days. Hard to believe that the sun has risen and set on 19,073 days since I last heard from you.
ReplyDeleteI think the most I missed all those years was your knowledge and advice. I was young when you died, but old enough to know you were very bright. I’ve read every thing of yours I could find… even went back through all your old school books and read the notes you wrote. It’s pretty clear you gave me many of your talents and a few of your temperamental elements as well.
All-in-all, I wouldn’t have the cards dealt again, I got a great hand and only lacked some of you guidance and advice on how to play the cards. I can't complain.
You’d be proud of my accomplishments in life – most of them anyway. The truth is, life’s been very good to me so far, other than not having you to guide me to higher goals and places.
You have three grandsons as well and a grand daughter. All are basically good kids, although some are rather stubbornly ,misguided at times in my mind. Sounds familiar? Your brother Bob has become a good friend. We talk a few times a year and he's told me about you and how you protected him from beatings and such.
I trust my kids are happy and feel they are on the right track. I guess that’s the only part that really matters – assuming they honestly feel they are doing what they should and want.
You know, just like when you were here, lots of folks tell me I’ll see you again. What a wonderful thought. I do hope it’s true, but I must admit, I have little evidence that is the case. I guess if it is, great, if it isn’t, no one will care.
Most of all, I feel badly about all the things you missed during those 50 some years... Thirty Three was far too young to die, especially when I think of my living to be almost twice that age and all I have done, seen and accomplished. They even put the first small satellite in orbit the year you died. Wow, you think that is great, there have been men walk on the moon too!
Like you, I had a great talent in electronics and engineering. It just came so natural to me. It was as natural as walking down the road. I see from your old projects that it must have been the same for you. I got the mechanical talents too. Had my own car running at 15 and a half, welded my own scooter together at 13 and it too all just came natural to me. Looks like a couple of your grandsons have the same talents.
I did well in life. I was always willing to take the risk when opportunities came along, even when friends said I was crazy. What fun, we now live on the very top of the hill in Southern Utah and watch the beautiful world go by daily. You were never old enough to feel the aches and pains of getting old, but hot weather is a great cure. Life has truly been about as good as we could ask. We want for nothing and should be secure the rest of our lives. Most of that I owe to the talents and abilities you gave me at birth – how do you say “thanks” for that – a life time of abilities and talents to be one of the best in all areas that count. Perhaps, just perhaps you already know that – I do hope so.
Well, I need to get to my daily tasks. Even though I retired at 55, I have more to do now than ever before. I hope we can chat again before another 50 years goes by. Perhaps much sooner than we know. – Love, your son.