We met in an old school building back in the late 80’s that was probably packed with asbestos and lead paint. That may explain some of my crazy life decisions, Oy! Certainly this building lacked air conditioning or any modern conveniences but I LOVED this building that was built in 1923. Our middle school was beautiful and it smelled like old wood and vintage clothing. I loved it even more because it was there that we forged our nearly 35 year friendship.

I remember hanging out in the basement cafeteria talking up a storm about who has a crush on who, what Porker got in trouble for that day, eating fiestada pizza and peanut butter balls. Damn I miss peanut butter balls! You were this tall lanky kid who had a crush on me. You were always making me laugh and not just heeheehee laughing but deep belly laughing. You were funny and bold as hell and I ADORED you, as my friend.

Then just like that you moved away to that state up north and I vividly remember being totally bummed.

And yet..

Somehow before the days of cell phones and internet we managed to keep in touch. I remember that you’d come to visit your one parent back in our hometown and we’d meet up with each other to catch up and hangout. On and off through the years we’d see each other but it wasn’t until about a decade ago that we became better and closer friends. Traveling to attend a game in the big house, watching them in the garage with a bunch of your crazy but fun friends. Razzing each other and making silly bets. You, wearing and looking the best I have ever seen you, in Scarlet and Gray. Bahahaha….

On one level or another over the years, we always looked out for each other. Us wanting the nothing but best for the other person.

You were and are a great guy. I wanted desperately to see you as more than just a friend. I/we definitely tried (hahaha) but timing was never on our side and that is okay. I was too restless and you were too settled. Lifestyles of oil and water.

But you know what I love most though, about our long and friendly rivalry? It’s that I get to watch you fall in love and grow your family. You are an absolutely amazing father. You are an ABSOLUTELY amazing friend.

A genuinely good dude.

C.P. you are my longest friend and I cherish getting to “grow up” together.

~L

“We do not pull in and fill up. And I’ll tell you why we don’t. It’s because I don’t buy one goddamn drop of gas in the state of Michigan. We’ll coast and push this goddamn car to the Ohio line before I give this state a nickel of my money.”

Woody Hayes~ to assistant coach Ed Ferkany as they were low on gas in Michigan on a recruiting trip.

 GO BUCKS!!!!