The WGOM

My parents moved into the house that they live in on November 5, 1969. Even though that day was over 40 years ago, I remember it still. My mom's brothers and sisters were there, helping with the move and I remember, even at four years old, being quite excited about a new house. In actuality, our new house was already over 60 years old and it was originally built in a different town and moved onto a new basement in 1954. The guy who owned it also owned a moving company and he put two houses on the same lot, ours and the neighbors'.

The neighbor, Donny, worked for the state highway department and he liked snow, because that meant overtime and a few extra bucks in his pocket. He needed a few extra bucks, because he had seven kids in that three bedroom house. Five of them were boys: Garland, Mike (Bowser), Danny (Prune), Brion (with an "o") and Joel. Joel David, when his mother was upset. There were two girls, too, in between Prune and Brion. Garland was out of high school by the time 1969 rolled around -- and Bowser and Prune were in high school. Brion was four years older than me and Joel was three years younger than me. All of those boys were friendly guys -- they weren't above giving me a hard time every now and again, but they are good people. Joel has been my friend for over 40 years now. I don't get to see him much any more, but when I got his Christmas card this year, I marvelled at his three beautiful children. There was a time about 15 years ago or so when neither one of us figured we'd get married. And then he met "Instant" Karma, fell in love and married her. I remember his frustration when they were having troubles conceiving. So when they say that a picture says a thousand words, that might be an understatement. Joel and Karma and their three kids -- I couldn't describe everything I felt when I saw that picture in 10,000 words.

Donny lived next door to my parents for at least 20 years until he retired and moved out to a little farmstead just east of SBGville. Prune and I think, Bowser, too, had lived out there and for some reason, it was known as Montana. I spent a few nights out at Montana, having drank too much beer, hanging with Prune and Bowser and Joel and whoever else might have been out there. I remember talking to Garland out there one night in 1990. Garland was the only Braves fan that I knew from SBGville. He was a Braves fan through and through and has been forever. Anyhow, I remember Garland telling me how the Braves were loaded with young players and that they were going to be good. Yeah right, Garland. Have another beer. Of course, Garland knew what the hell he was talking about -- 14 or so straight division titles were about to be won. And he was on board before the first one. Joel was a Yankee fan -- and Damn it, Garland hated losing to the Yankees in the World Series.

So, anyway, Donny retired and had a little hobby farm out there and was enjoying the good life. But, it was only a couple of years after he moved out there that he got cancer. Donny didn't make it much longer after that and my buddies were devastated. Eventually, Joel took over the place -- he and I watched John Elway beat Brett Favre in the Super Bowl out there.

Those boys were the guys who introduced me to the Rolling Stones. Joel would play his older brothers' albums for us and man, was it great. When we got older, we'd drive around on the gravel roads outside of SBGville, drinking beer, listening to the Stones, and talking about life. Yep, it was illegal. Yep, we eventually were driving under the influence. Not good. But, in our defense, there was no one else on those roads and we were only going about 15 miles an hour. Those were good times out on the lonely prairie. They say that if you have two or three really good friends in your life, you are lucky. When I count my best friends, ever, there are fingers left on my first hand when I count Joel. I love him like he was my own brother.

Like I said, Donny's death was tough on his boys. Joel hated that his Dad worked his whole life and got only a couple of years of retirement before he passed away. Well, they got another stomach punch this week. Bowser succumbed to cancer at the age of 57. My heart aches for my old friends. They are good guys.

Today's song is for Bowser and his brothers. This one was one of those that we loved and every time we'd hear it, it would bring a knowing smile to our faces. Cry on, baby.

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