There are so many things racing through my mind I don’t really know what to write about and writing about everything will only make things worse. So I must pick one topic and stay with it.
This morning I received a call from the wife of a very dear friend. The instant I saw her name come up on caller ID I knew what it meant. She called to tell my that her husband died. Her husband happens to be a lifelong friend from grammar school days. How many of us can brag about being in touch with a kid from the eight grade? For seventy years we stayed in touch, and kept up to date.
A childhood song immediately popped into my mind and the melody keeps replaying in a loop through all the confusion in my mind. Sung in 1956 by the most popular quartet of the day, The Four Lads.
Watching All the Girls Go By Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by Brother you don't know a nicer occupation Matter of fact, neither do I Than standing on a corner watching all the girls Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by I'm the cat that got the cream Haven't got a girl but I can dream Haven't got a girl but I can wish So I'll take me down to Main street And that's where I select my imaginary dish Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by Standing on a corner giving all the girls the eye Brother if you've got a rich imagination Give it a whirl, give it a try Try standing on a corner watching all the girls Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by Brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking Or for that woo look in your eye Standing on the corner watching all the girls Watching all the girls, watching all the girls go by
This song documents the most popular activity I found myself engaged in during my 12-14 yo period. Many times my buddy Bob was standing right next to me, along with Kenny, and Jack.
Now it is time to put on my best shirt, and my smiley face to celebrate Bob’s entry into eternal peace. It is wine time! Here’s to you Bob, keep playing those sweet songs on sax for the angels.
Filed under: Aging, Biography, family, Warm and Fuzzy | Tagged: Baritone Sax, Friendship, Grammar School Memories, Standing on the Corner |
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