This morning Judi & I met up with Dee at this flower shop downtown. It is located where the old Corner Drug used to be & in the sidewalk in front is a brick commemorating the Class of 1956! Jerry got this done & made sure it was placed in front of the old Corner Drug.
For years Jerry used the phrase: "PUSHING UP DAISIES!" I made sure that there will be just 1 daisy, just for him!
I miss my old friend as I'm sure most all do. As I leaned over him to cover him with his throw blanket & adjust the pillows, I told him that he could go, if he wanted and to make sure he said hello to Leach. I can't swear to it, but I thought I caught a slight smile come to him as I said this. I give thanks that he didn't suffer any more than he'd already done.
His last afternoon, Judi had taken Pat to have lunch with the girls, & Huntley & Jerry & I sat & talked. Of course we laughed & red-assed each other, just like always, only a lot slower. He wanted us to keep the 'rumbles' going, roast him at them, just like they used to
do on the old Dean Martin show. (his words)
As I was in the kitchen, I looked over & he was putting on his shoes & tying the laces. I asked him where he was going. His answer was: "we have to get to Butcher's to join the girls for lunch!" I convinced him no as it was storming out & they would be just about done. Even the last day his priorities were to be with the classmates to enjoy their company & have a good rumble.
This morning after the flower shop I let Dee take Judi back to the Ashland's & I went for a drive. Fertile to face the peak traffic hour! Then on to Ventura to the dreaded 4 way stop!! I was all prepared for that s.o.b. in the walker that used to terrorize my friend. He didn't show! I was really bummed until I figured that Millard was probably protecting me.
I also am remembering that day in December of '97 when I was sitting all alone in my home in El Segundo, Ca. & the phone rang. I said hello & this voice asked if I remembered a freckle faced, red headed kid from Clear Lake! It had been over 44 years since I had heard that voice. As Jerry so often liked to tell people, my life was not normal since! He did that to people. He found so many of us & brought most back into the fold & then sat back & grinned from ear to ear.
I'd like to share some of this and more at his service, but I know I won't be able to do it. You see that 'old salt truck' is parked here & they are arguing over who's driving, who's got shotgun, who's in the sleeper!
Hugs to you all! Norm P.S. Thanks for letting me share!
