I have not seen Russell since I was 17 years old. I moved away from the old 'hood at age 15, and we just sort of lost track. His older sister, Becky, called me to tell the sad news Thursday. Arortic aneurysm bursting is the doctor's verdict. This is something that I know something about, being in heart surgery and all. He didn't have a chance. When that happens, you bleed to death internally in mere minutes.
When we were little, Russell and I were closer than brothers. We did everything together, Becky was like my big sister, about four years older. We played army (He was always Sgt. Saunders from the "Combat!" show, even though I was the blond one back then, I was Lt. Hanley). We swam everyday all summer long in my swimming pool, our families had Bar-B-Ques together, we rode mini-bikes in the miles and miles of trails behind our house. It was a wonderful childhood.
Even though we grew apart, and it's probably been almost thiry years since we last spoke, I am awfully sad. Russell, if you can somehow read these words I want you to know that having you in my life, and the joy of being boys together is one of the finest memories in my life. Goodbye, my brother.
This photo is from September 1969. I was 8, Russell was 10
6 comments:
I hear ya, Tim, This time last year was when I found out about my friend Richard's passing and attended his memorial service. Of course, thirty years hadn't passed but I'll tell you this:
Time is of no consequence when it comes to losing friends.
Alevasholem Russel.
My best friend was killed in a car accident while I was in the service. I did not learn about it until after the funeral.
My condolences.
I'll be thinking of you - and all my old friends- today.
Poop. I came over here to tease you about not having me on your blogroll, but that would be too rude now, even for me. Sorry to hear about your friend. Hugs.
Thanks for stopping by, Ultrababe! And thanx for the hug. I'd be delighted to blogroll you if you'll return the favor.
That's an awfully sad tale ! I have so many friends who during the 70's I practically lived with during school holidays making Super 8mm Movies and making models etc... that I now have lost contact with ! I'm sure your friend knows that you never forgot about him and those times.
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