Gary and me. The Not So Odd Couple? … not odd at all. We’ve known each other for a long time. But have really gotten closer in recent years. Both of us excelled in the insurance industry. I’m the “Oscar” … Gary’s the “Felix” in this Not So Odd Couple. Unique.You see I had a kind of “heavy” personality for years. As I’ve softened, I opened space for Gary to come into my life. Lighten me up. And oh has he. We joke that he’s my “Convener”… gets me involved, going everywhere. Lunches, his 35 yard line seats at Falcons games, impromptu events… on and on. Pays my way too often. He’s just one of the most generous soles on earth. His motto, “Let’s roll!” Here we go! Like a couple of bowling balls rolling down an endless alley. So joyful… what a ride… sooo much fun! Best of all we share a steadfast, common value system. Integrity, honesty, a caring spirit. Love of life. Just one example of of Gary’s gift of caring… leadership spirit. He’s served as President of a vibrant, much celebrated Rotary Club. He made it so. When it was not. Too many more examples of his caring to mention here. Me? Well let’s just say I’ve taken the opportunity to care, lead a few times too.

But there’s so much more. We share infectious senses of humor. If laughter’s the best medicine, then we’re medical wonders. If high energy says we’re in good shape, then we’re electric grids. Oh, Gary can drive me nuts me at times too. Changes “channels” during conversation like an infant pushing buttons on a radio for the first time. When he gets excited about something? Like a spaniel with a bone. Never expect him to relent. And something a bit odd, but so endearing. Gary’s never without a smile. Brings his joy, fun… his boundless spirit to everything. Challenge, loss, sadness? Gary smiles through it all. I have learned why. Simply? Gary loves life… all his countless friends. His family. And yeah, I’m blessed I think he has come to love me too. Wonderful when we know Love brightens everything. We brighten everything… together.

So, we’ll continue to “run the table”. Events, trips, going to all the special places. Won’t end until we can do it no more. As BB, or ninety year old great buddy declares as we set dates for our monthly lunches, “You’d better hurry up!” The gift of time. Friendship. How more precious they become … with every new year.So how will Gary and I continue to spend our time? He’ll keep convening. I’ll keep saying yes. Favorite sayings, “Is that all ya got?!”… “Grrraaahhhg”… both inside jokes. “Did you ever see a dead man… Our Code. Wondrously childlike. By the way, neither of us look our age. Happens when you live each day in passion. As we do.

So I buckle my seat belt every time Gary and I meet. What will my dearest friend think of next? What will the prize at the bottom of this “Cracker Jax” box look like? Don’t care. I know whatever it is. It will be sooo much fun! Stay the Course… “Oscar”. Just let “Felix” keep rolling you down that endless alley.

Thank you for all the gifts, Gary… Love you, pal.

Merry Christmas…