Bliptogether #5

This is George. He is a friend in every sense of the word. Including him in this Bliptogether parade seemed more than appropriate. If a person is lucky in life he or she will have at least one great friend. Actually, I think I'll change the word "lucky" to blessed. I know Mr. Fun and I, besides having each other, have at least one very special friend . . . you're looking at him.

George is a music man, filled with notes and tunes. He strums a guitar more often than not. He grew up in a home in Arkansas that enjoyed music's pleasure. As a young adult, George headed for Texas to attend college. Somewhere along in there he wandered from the academic trail to a path of music. He and several friends were the opening band for John Davidson. So for a long time he traveled a lot and settled only occasionally.

We've known George for well over 10 years. The road we've walked together has had some highs, some lows, a few twists and turns, occasionally a switchback. When we look back, it's trailmarked with stories and tears, and lots of memories.

Five-and-a-half years ago his wife, Pam, was battling cancer. Watching George care for her as he watched his world crumble is something I'll never forget. They had been married for 10 years. She lived until the end of August 2004. He came through that moment determined to face everything that life might give him or take away from him. He's continued to make music, and to do it well.

When Pam died, George decided that he wasn't going to lose himself in another romance. Instead, he decided to find himself. He has done much of that through music. He is the music director at the little church we attend. The music team he leads has teenagers, middle agers, and old agers. He also is the organizer of another band he takes on the road to play in prisons and parks and places that need a little music. He has a crazy fun humor and loves to tell jokes. He has a tremendous appetite for books and often goes to the movies. He runs, he walks, and he tries to eat healthy.

What the two of us know is that we don't spend nearly enough time with him. Schedules are full; life is crazy, and well, you know. He's been with us when the ground beneath us seems to be disintegrating and he calmly reminds us to stand still, hold tight, and breathe deep. He always reminds us to focus on the path in front of us, especially when the jungle beside us seems filled with enemies. He coaches us to see the world as it is, and not to fool ourselves in believing its how we wish it to be. He does encourage us that the world can be better, and that we can be part of the ingredients that make it better.

Today Mr. Fun was having lunch with George. I need someone who would reach out to join this bliptogether parade. Like a true friend, George did what he always does, he reached out! Mr. Fun captured the moment and sent it to my phone. It's not the best of photos, but I can assure you that George is the best of friends.

It's pouring rain; the authorities are releasing a million gallons of water a minute from the Prado Dam west of us on the Santa Ana River (usually a dry river). The meadowland behind our house drains into the flood basin. If the water backs-up behind the dam, we'll have shore-front property (not likely).

It's 6:30 p.m. The blipparade continues, and George is in it.
Good night from Southern California.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka