Me and Steve

 This is me and one of my oldest friends, Steve (I'm on the left in the checked shirt).  I remember when I first saw him -- it was 55 years ago and it was on a basketball court.  I was a year ahead of Steve in high school.  We played football and basketball together.  Steve was the best, strongest, and fastest defensive lineman I ever saw.  I played behind him as a defensive back and doubled as the quarterback.  We had a good football team; were always considered one of the best teams in the state.  Once after a basketball game my sophomore year, I was at the concession stand trying to find something edible when Steve sauntered up and offered, "What's the matter, Lance -- nothing intrigues you?"  I just thought, "Damn, someone who knows the word 'intrigues' -- I'm gonna have to get to know this guy."  And I'm glad I did.

We hauled hay together, presumably fished together (I just sat with my legs over the side), drove too fast, drank cheap wine, stupidly smoked filtered cigars, and double-dated.  Steve stayed local and eventually farmed with his dad, taking over the operation.  Several times over the past 15 years I've taken a summer off from the school I work at and have driven truck for Steve during harvest -- primarily wheat.  Everything got bigger, though -- trucks, combines, acreage -- and I finally felt entirely out of my element.

Steve and his wife Ann (whom I've known for 47 years) flew down to Sacramento to buy a beautiful deep red convertible sports car.  They then drove over to San Leandro but first stopped in Walnut Creek for a visit.  We toured the school I work at then hit the Cheesecake Factory.  Lots of talk, lots of laughs, and -- lots of love.  

Steve's sister Christi, who was a year ahead of me in school, sent me this picture that Ann took last Wednesday.  It's a happy twist of fate for me that these two, Steve and Christi, are also two of the dearest, truest, and longest-lasting friends that I've been fortunate to have in life.  There is nothing better than a lifelong friendship. To know and love people who truly know you, love you, and stand by you, no matter what -- that's the real deal.