Captain Chuck
I got into some mischief back when I was in college. I know this probably surprises you but I did. I got moved from one dorm to another, and I consider it the best trouble I ever got in. You see, in so doing, I made a lifelong friend. Our dormitories were set up in suites, with two roommates each sharing sinks, a toilet and a shower in between. Chuck became a suite mate for my last 3 collegiate years in western New York. Because I didn't want to travel home to Maine for long Thanksgiving weekends, I got invited to stay with him at his family's home in Buffalo. After graduation, he went off to Vietnam flying refueling tankers, and eventually even got stationed in the 'outer limits' at Loring Airforce Base in Limestone, Maine. He taught ROTC at various stops, and we visited them once when they were living in Nashua, NH and ended up babysitting their oldest son Jeff the day Greg was born. He flew for Delta Airlines for 35 years and did his 'final touchdown' Saturday morning. I spent this past weekend with him and his wonderful family in Atlanta. It was a special time that I would never have missed. In those four dorm years, we shared so much. Staying connected to friends of long ago is something he specializes in. Retirement can be so bitter-sweet at times.
I'm so lucky we connected way back then.
See? Mischief can breed fine results.
Touchdown!
Show me the way, Chuck.
So wonderful...
ReplyDelete35 years as a pilot for Delta, that's a lot of miles under his belt. I hope he enjoys retirement to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you fell into that one, you rascal, you! What a great friendship to have and cherish for so many years!
ReplyDeletecongrats to your friend. bless him in the next chapter of his life.
ReplyDeleteI really love the way you tell your stories. Short but so rich, moving and good!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story!
ReplyDeleteI was worried when you said 'final touchdown,' but relieved when it was not what I thought! Good to reconnect w/old friends. Ya.
ReplyDeleteLifelong friends are treasures, for sure. It's worth the effort to connect with them. Glad you had fun. AND glad that we got Elenka all to ourselves while you were gone!
ReplyDeleteVery nice effect with the little Delta plane on glass and good that you kept up the friendship.
ReplyDeleteSomeone once defined hell as changing planes in Atlanta.
It is special to have life-long friends and stay connected even if the distance is great. Bet your friend continues to fly for himself.
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