Arn,
I joined the forum in 2009, in the days when if there were 20 new posts in a day you thought it was Christmas. I so much enjoyed your posts then, and though we have never met, seeing your name here is like meeting up with an old friend. I have not read the forum much recently, but from now on I will!
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
Alan,
Thank you for the kind words.
Serving in the Marines, I found that having friends, especially in a combat situation, can be hazardous both physically and mentally.
This past February 5th is the 53rd anniversary of the death of my best Marine buddy Eddie, who was KIA in Vietnam two weeks before we were going to be reunited back home in Chicago. Instead of the big bash we envisioned, I stood by his casket for three days. Eddie was my friend.
Instead of friends, I’ve had many, many acquaintances. And, although my interaction with them spans everything from down right debauchery to sharing the most tender of moments held in God's loving arms, few I can genuinely call friends.
Over the years, I've loosened up a bit. I've come to accept that by fearing the mental anguish should a friend preceed me in death, I've missed the celebration of life true friends can bring.
At one point in my life I could count on one hand those I called Friend.
Here on the Forum, and most assuredly on the Camino, I've met many I can call a Friend. Most of you, I've only met via these threads. Others, in the personal message arena.
All that said, the happiest I am is when I meet a fellow pilgrim at any of the many Pilgrim Masses along the Way, but most especially in the Cathedral de Santiago.
Alan, my Friend, I hope to meet you on Camino some day.
Buen “till we meet” Camino
Arn
).
