Nancy and have a number of memorable vacation spots. While visiting our favorite four years ago … Harbor Island in the Bahamas we came upon a small sign we have hanging in our kitchen. Simply inscribed … “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much” Coincidently I read this message early this morning.I spent the last two days in Wilmington, NC with two wonderful friends. They’re for sure living well, laughing often … and above all loving much. “Ha!” As l’m writing this I’m listening to the Beatle’s song, “Love is All You Need.”

The sign, the song pretty much sums up my visit. You see David and Susan are very special people. Let me describe them to you.Engaged, about to be married. Their relationship? Susan’s comment to me while there, “You know, Bob. I spend most of my time with David. I never get tired of being with him. I’ve never felt this way about another person.” Then? … David and I played golf the second day. Pretty bad golf. After a few really bad shots, David looked up at me and said, “How can I get pissed off about this. I’ve got Susan!” Get the picture?Susan is … cultured … articulate … attractive (very!)

David is … accomplished … caring … dedicated friend to many (very many)How lucky was I to spend two days with these guys. Why?They’re active (very). Boaters, bikers. Runners both. Hikers. Skiers. Paddle boarders. He’s a wine buff. She decorates their home so beautifully. And they love a lot (the best exercise of all).I yearned for a pair of roller skates just to keep up with these two!

What did we do? Boated, played golf, walked Wilmington. Restaurants. “Manna” was my favorite. But the “Dockside Bar”, “Casa del Sol” … another. So good too. Talk, and talk … and more talk. Me? My best friends refer to me as “the firehouse.” Susan talks a lot too. But she’s so interesting. David? He’s very interested. A great listener. With me and Susan talking so much? A good thing. We talked family … passions … backgrounds. Relationships. Challenges. Some “look at me stuff” (“I did this.” “I did that.”) But not too much. I communicate a lot by telling stories. Maybe too many. “Firehouse.” Remember? At dinner one of the entrees? “Rack on Tour” … Susan says “That’s Bob!” A little slur I thought. No she meant “raconteur” … story teller. A compliment. Thank you Susan. Funny.

Remember David … great friend to many? Met a super example at dinner both nights. Chris Foster. I have recently begun coaching him. Chris is a pro. Just bought a second home in Wilmington. Beautiful. A member at Eagle Point. What a golf course. I’ve played some of the best courses in the country. This is among them. Chris embodies what David looks for in a friend. No BS, caring, honest. Like him.I could go on. But won’t. Oh almost forgot. One last thing. We got a few chuckles about the “25 cent” word proclivity. Inside joke.

When I got home I shared with Nancy all of the above and more about my trip. “I want to go with you next time.” “Live Well, Laugh Often, Live Much. “Good, hon. I think David and Susan would love to have you.” I know I’d love to go back.”