John Eastman R.I.P.

I’ve had trouble writing a blog about my friend, John.  The problem seems to be that my image of John is of a strong, active, athletic man that loved life and lived it his way.  John was an all-american soccer player, a ranger in the armed forces and an avid golfer.  He had a great sense of humor and was the life of any party.

I played golf with John twice a week for over 15 years.  He was a good golfer, and after his game deteriorated over the past few years, he  still played with zest and kept up his wise cracks.  After each round of golf, the group would gather around a table in the clubhouse to have a beer or hot dog and John would hold court.  We still laughed and had fun when he missed a day, but it wasn’t the same.

Aloma and I visited with John two days before he died and he was bedridden, but alert.  I knew his time with us was short.  But that’s not the image that I will always carry in my mind.  I will always think of John as athletic and fun-loving.  

John, I wish we could have played golf one more time.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com

Sad or Joyful?

A few weeks ago, we were vacationing in Topsail Beach.  I noticed a young man cooking on an outdoor grill so I went over to ask him what he was preparing.  He explained that today he was just cooking potatoes.  He went on to describe the type of potatoes and even gave me his recipe.  He offered to bring a sample to my room so we could try them.  I readily accepted.

The young man introduced his wife and proudly told me they were just married a few days before.  I talked with her a few minutes and then went back to our condo to wait for my sample of potatoes.  The potatoes came and were delicious.  I’ve prepared a recipe card and named them Topsail Potatoes.

The young man and his new wife were about 30 years old.  She was very heavy, probably over 250 pounds.  He was outgoing and handsome, but had several teeth missing.  We saw them the next day leaving the parking lot in an old, beat-up car painted several colors.  Later, I walked by their car and saw a bouquet of plastic flowers thrown onto the cluttered backseat.

I felt sad for them.  I thought about the beautiful weddings for our four daughters.  I imagined this couple was poor, got married by a Justice of the Peace, and bought, or were given, the plastic flowers for the wedding.

I told Aloma that I was sad.  She often helps me see things through a different light.  She said, “You are imposing your values and experiences on them.  Maybe this is a wonderful time for the couple, and they are extremely happy and have a good future ahead of them.”

I thought about it.  Aloma was right.  Look at the situation  from their point-of-view, not mine.

I wish them both happiness and success in the future.  And I look forward to cooking Topsail Potatoes.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com