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[quote=Anonymous]The dearest friend I ever had in my life was a custodian named Jim. He loved golf and the Redskins.  I don't think he had much money but he always had time to chat.  He had a certain soulful wisdom that can only be learned through time and hardship.  He told stories almost like Jesus and he helped me understand my own life better.   Jim didn't boast or complain - he just talked to me. About twenty years ago it was reported in the news there was a bed bug infestation in homes, hotels, movie theaters and such places.  We talked about it for a bit for no other reason than it had been in the news that day.

Jim said, yeah when I was a kid we had bed bugs and I'd wake up in the morning with terrible bites on my legs and stomach. I said man that must have been awful.  He said yeah, it was pretty bad, but then we got cockroaches too. But then he matter of factly said, I didn't mind the cockroaches too much because they ate the bed bugs.

My father had a stroke and lingered living on a feeding tube for six months.  Jim and I all ways talked about golf and the Redskins.  He actually caddied for Sam Snead at Congressional back in the 30s. When my dad was dying Jim always took a few extra minutes to talk to me in the afternoon.  Jim didn't have much but he gave me my first set of golf clubs. A real nice set of Titlest irons he'd been saving for a special occasion.  He said playing a bit of golf might help me worry less about my Dad . I did play some and it did help some.

Jim never told me what to do.  I'd complain about something probably pretty stupid and Jim would listen.  He'd pause and a few minutes later he'd tell me a seemingly unrelated story, wish me well and leave to go sweep up in a different room.  A couple hours would pass and like a light bulb turning on in my head I'd figure out a solution to whatever problem I had been grappling with.  At the moment I just thought I was a very smart man to have solved my problem.

It took me many years to realize it was Jim who somehow prompted me to examine either the importance or the unimportance of my dilemma.

Somehow, Jim always knew what needed to be said to help me find with his help,   but also on my own a solution that was practical and one which I could live with.

We lost Jim in the fall of 2011.  I was honored be allowed to be a pall bearer at his funeral. When no one was looking I slid a couple sleeves of Titlest golf balls in the casket with him.

I miss you so much Jim - hope I can get to play a few more rounds with you someday.

F[/quote]

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