Two Old Friends

There are two friends I once had that made such an impression on me that I would finally like to pay tribute to them  in my small way. They meant so much to me that, as I get nearly to the three-quarters of a century mark, I still remember and thank God for them.

One was a child I met when I was still innocent and the world was young. We were both about the same age, four or five. My first name was the same as his. He was a Black youngster.

My mother would take me to a playground, probably to stay out of my brother’s hair. I would meet him and play on the swings and see saw and have a ton of fun with him. To me he wasn’t defined by color. He was a second me and it was like meeting a piece of myself.

Though our time together were fleeting, I remember those precious moments and wish I could thank him for all that fun.

Another was Al, whom I met when I entered High School. I was often on the wrong end of the bullying and ranking hierarchy.

I spent much free time in the Music Room, where Al would hang out.

Al was Black, and he was also blind.

He filled my mind and heart with many stories of Leadbelly and jazz music. I was truly grateful for any moment I could spend with him.

I grew to appreciate music because of him.

I wonder if either is still alive today. They most likely are not aware of how much they meant to me. This is my only way of saying “Thank You!” to them.