Friends from Abilene and I went to Kentucky last weekend. It is one of life's joys to be with old friends, who as someone once said "know all my faults, yet love me anyway." With friends, you don't have to fill in any background when you begin a story. These particular friends, Pat and Morgan Phillips and David and Ann Jones were with me in so many of the dark and light moments of my life--they were there when Brandon was born (Dave loves to call him Brandy). They were there when we built our house at Potosi (Dave later built on a lot next door). They were there when Sam got sick and when he died. Dave and Sam were both principals in AISD. In fact, Mr. Jones suffered through 7 years as my principal at Austin Elementary School.
Pat is Brandon's second mother; her son Paul is an only child too. Pat plied Brandon with honey sandwiches as he grew and loved him through adolescence too. Pat and Morgan helped us give Brandon's graduation party, serving as waiters at our Italian-themed party. Morgan is a retired school counselor, Pat is a retired teacher, Ann is a retired school principal. So we had many things in common. We all attended Minter Lane in Abilene together. And we still enjoy each other's company. Sam was the absent yet very present 6th person on our trip. We can't get together without telling "Sam Thomas stories." Dave was Sam's roommate on principal convention trips and his favorite target for tricks.
It was such a joy to be with all of them! Thank you God for a lifetime of good friends.
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