This past Friday, several of my college friends and I shared a toast.
Not this kind:
And not this kind either:
Although I wish it were – it’d be a lot less sad.
This was a coast-to-coast toast to our dearly departed friend LJ. Friday would’ve been his 62nd birthday. Instead it was his first heavenly birthday.
My old college roommate Art and his wife Sheila picked up LJ’s wife Patty and went to a church fish fry (’tis the season) where Patty’s college suitemate Joyce and I met up with them. Then we walked to a nearby brewery taproom to raise a glass to LJ.
Because I care about connection (or maybe I’m just a sentimental sap), I asked the rest of the XU crew to send along a photo of them toasting LJ, so I could share the pix with Patty. Raising some spirits to raise spirits.
Unlike when we were in college, this time our XU crew completed their homework assignment with flying colors.
Phil and Suzanne (Patty’s volleyball teammate at XU) were in Sonoma County in California, visiting Katy (another XU alum).
Vinnie checked in from his snowbird perch in Naples, FL.
Closer to home, Mike & Missy posted a toast from their regular Friday hangout in Indianapolis…
And their daughter-in-law Donna and daughter Colleen (who met LJ and Patty in Florida last September) also joined in.
Billy raised a glass in Akron.
Kevin in D.C. got artistic with his shot.
Rick and his wife Chris checked in from Delray Beach, FL.
Walter and his wife Blakey paid tribute in Louisville, KY.
Tom got kids and grandkids in on the action. A sippy cup salute!
Brian was on vacation somewhere, but he still sent his love.
Mike B. – looking much more dapper than usual – also checked in from Indy.
And Mrs. Dubbatrubba – who couldn’t join us at the brewery due to her work schedule – raised a Muskie glass for our Muskie friend.
We weren’t together, yet we were together.
The same holds true for our bond with LJ. Even though we’re no longer together, we’re always together. Forever and ever. Cheers to that!
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