I went to my high school friend's memorial service yesterday. It was attended by about 100 people and several of my former classmates. It was not a sad event, though certainly tears were shed. Lots of people stood up to speak and all said how even-tempered Cecil was and how he was always friendly and loving. One gent in poor health related how Cecil had called him weekly and just showed up at his house with a several bags of groceries on several occasions. Cecil's former business partner was also Cecil's best friend. I think that says volumes about his character when a partnership can dissolve and the two remain best friends. There were lots of stories about how Cecil gave people jobs in the grocery stores and mentored them on customer service. One fellow whose father owned several stores said his dad used to ask him, "Why can't you be more like Cecil?" Cecil had a broken left arm when he was young. The doctor putting on the cast set it too tight and Cecil's left arm was damaged and never fully developed. The arm was smaller and misshapen, but Cecil used it to its full potential. He played basketball in high school and baseball. He loved sports and didn't let his disability slow him down. Nobody thought of Cecil as disabled.
I guess I'm venting a bit, but in another thread, the question was asked about going to high school reunions. I've always gone to mine and love every one of them. I try to make an effort to stay in touch, but sometimes fall short. I guess what I'm trying to say is I really regret not keeping closer touch with Cecil, and now it's too late to do that. If you have a friend you'd like to talk to or like to see, make an effort to do that. Going to the funeral of someone you wish you'd known better kinda leaves a hollow place in your heart.