A friend went on to be with Jesus today

Mom just called. A long time family friend passed away, Bill Hamilton. A family man, a military man, I first met Bill the fall of ’74 in Homestead, Florida. His wife became one of my mom’s dear friends, his sons long time friends of my brother’s. And of mine.

I can’t think of those days in Homestead and not remember Bill. He taught me to drive stick shift Thanksgiving day, ‘ 76. We were having a big church family picnic in our yard and some how there arose a yam emergency. Bill was tasked to run to the store for more.

Firing up the old, old, really old church truck, Bill asked me to tag along. Not many, if any stores were open on Thanksgiving Day, and the south Florida streets were quiet and barren. We found a convenient store, bought the needed yams, and headed home. Only with me behind the wheel. Bill had a wild idea to teach me to drive stick shift. In the old, old, very old truck. With three on the tree.

Fifteen and unsure of driving, let alone clutching and shifting, Bill’s patiently taught me the basics of manual transmission driving and in a reasonable amount of time, I got us home. Though, I did sit at one traffic light for about 15 minutes. No traffic. No hassle, but I was sweating a little.

Bill treated my brothers, sister and I with kindness, always generous and encouraging. I’ll miss him. But he’s with Dad now, in the Cloud of Witnesses, no longer in pain, but in glory.

David, Joe, Nancy, I’m thinking of you and praying for you.

Tony and I are in Indianapolis. We flew the long way, by way of JFK, but we are hear. Our leg from Orlando to JFK was on Song Airlines, a Delta Operation. Normally, my policy is I don’t fly airlines that sound like fast food chains or the latest brand of butter.

Air craft carriers should have technical, sceintific names that bolster confidence. ” Yes, this bucket of bolts will stay in the air.”

Or at least. “We can make it from one cost to the other,” like Eastern or American West.

Or, “We can make it to the contenients.” Conteniental.

Airlines that sound like fast food, Taca Airlines, or a componant of a music course, Song, or like the next Crayola Crayon color, Jet Blue, don’t inspire confidence. Am I the only one?

But Song was great. Little TV monitors in front of all the seats. Nice food selection, though you have to buy it, at least you have a choice.

Indianapolis is cold, but the snow is melting. At least we got to see some. Can you believe Christmas is 3 days away?

Blessings to you all.