CHERISHING A FRIENDSHIP

by Dave Friant

Okay. Been putting it off for too long. DP’s theme of sentiments from bygone years for this issue was spot on with recollections of some wonderful times. A romp thru yesteryear. It provided the motivation to tap a few keys and do some reminiscing about a special friend.

Sharing for the readership the qualities he brings to the table and the essentials that continue to hold this special bond together is a privilege. It serves as a lift for me to do so as the months and years continue to accumulate at such a rapid rate.

As noted in earlier pieces, I was a “Joisey” guy for the first 24 years of my life. Believed to be one of only 18% of NJ adult males not affiliated with mob hits during the 1970’s. Note: Fear of discovering a dismembered Philly Eagle in my bed prohibits breakdowns of the analytics regarding the accuracy of the polling data.

Through an unexpected but timely act of our Lord, my spouse and I were brought together in late 1971. We moved the needle into permanency with the exchange of commitments to one another through marriage in December 1972.

Being a Southerner in every sense of the word, the “mildly persistent” urge to pull up stakes in NJ and return to her home state of Florida was vocalized by the Mrs. during the early innings of the union. The wise one and I exited the “we pump it here” state in 1974 accompanied by our first of two children. We unhitched our sparse wagons of sufficiency and took up residency in Panama City amongst the powdery white sand and Gulf of Mexico emerald green waters.

It was through a local church that we met Ron Putman and his spouse Anita. The two hailed from Tennessee, but were already establishing secure roots as Northwest Floridians when we met. The eldest of four siblings, Ron at the time was an elementary school teacher and Anita a Teacher’s Aide. The first of their two daughters (Kim) was already aboard within the Putman household. Their next child (Kelly) became the second and last of the Putman clan in 1975.

Enough of the stick-handling through the maze of bio baggage.

We and the Putmans matched-up splendidly. An instant rapport was reached based on similar senses of humor and views on what we determined to be matters of importance. Enjoying one another’s company with our families became a regular occurrence. Time together in our respective homes for meals, games, and just “hangin’ out.” Ron and I also crossed the lines as slo-pitch softball teammates for eight years. He was our lefty first baseman and on a regular basis pulled me out of embarrassing throwing errors from shortstop with his uncanny range. We vacationed together at a variety of locations within the states. In addition to heart-to-heart conversations on how to proceed regarding predicaments in our lives, general zaniness with a mild sprinkling of legitimacy was how others described our interactions.

Ron had been a dabbler with all aspects of shaping up his house since we met. Home building was a wanna-be profession since our paths crossed. He took that leap of faith two or so years after we met. His was a very hands-on approach to constructing homes. Ron cut no corners in terms of quality. He would on the majority of cases do landscaping and other portions of the work himself.

Our paths as nearly everyday interactors came to an end when we moved to Texas in 1982. Ron and Anita continue to reside near Panama City. Although lessened considerably given the distance between us, we continue to maintain contact through the wonders of social media. We visit periodically and share with one another regarding our worlds.

Close friend. What is the additive(s) that propelled our relationship into that category? Dependence on the other to offer advice when difficult matters rise to the surface; doing so with a large dose of transparency. Grieving together. Celebrating the positives.

Too little space is available for selected recalls of special times together. Such are memories that we share whose impacts are therapeutic. Even with the significant downsides of current health-related matters, Ron continues to be a trooper and unrivaled compadre.

Ron’s extensive list of favorables is attributive to the relationship he maintains with the Lord. Trustworthiness. Kindness. Humility. I’m fortunate to have met him and consider it a continuing blessing to have him as a friend.