May 5th

Just some notes about some thing I learned from some people along the way, that for one reason or another are not in my current life:

From Lance W. - I learned that I would some day love motorcycles, rock climging and chewing tobacco - Only interested now in two of the three.

From Vonnie N. - I learned girls and women can be very manipulative. Hot ,but manipulative.

From Janet D. - I learned you should never be scared to admit feelings for someone, becasue they can leave your life so fast. I learned to yearn for something. And yes Janet, a Tangelo is a real fruit.

From David D. - I learned what a true friend should act like, all the time.

From Steve T. - I have learned that sometimes we back the wrong horse.

From James T. - I learned that you cannot always take back a harsh word and that we truly do miss the things in life we valued the most.

From Roger M.- I learned temperance, faith and the love of a good game.

From Ethan R. - I learned leadership and strength of character.

From Larry K. - I learned to love the sound of live music, and that I too could make it.

From Calvin H. - I learned to love the smell of cherry tobacco.

From Jim W. - I learned that the truth hurts to admit to yourself.

Some people that read this may think I am talking about you. Maybe I am - ask yourself how long has it been since we spoke, if it has been a few years, yeah, this may be you. I value everything on this list I have learned. Each one of these items, I carry with myself. sometimes I get tearry eyed over them, sometimes I get angry, other times I laugh myself silly (If you have ever woken up in a gutter in Preston Idaho, in only socks and underwear, you can appreciate some of the humor).

I still have learned also so much from s many people still in my life. I hold these lessons close to my heart and am not ready to share or immortalize you yet (call it superstition).

We are touched by divine presence for such a short time on this Earth that if we do not recognize a true friend when we meet, we are surely lost. A friend comes in many shapes sizes and colors, so be careful not to take for granted the kid that comes by your desk or office every day, who somehow felt a connection with you when he overheard you mention you just bought Star trek on Blu-Ray, now he feels compelled to go WAY out of his way to come discuss it, even though you have a meeting, busy, phone call, etc. Don't take for granted the guy that was thrust at you and was a loud mouth, always hitting you on the shoulder after every terrrible joke, and you always looked at the clock when you hung out. Because maybe someday that kid loses his job and doesn't come by anymore, or maybe you are thinking about your loud mouthed friend who got married a two years ago and had a baby, and you just happen to come across his obituary becaause he had cancer.

Don't ever be afraid to tell someone you love them for who they are.

Happy Cinqo De Mayo my friends, shoot one back for me.