TheBanyanTree: Memories and Good Friends

[clarence talley]

At 5:23 PM -0700 8/11/06, Jim Miller wrote:
>I was deeply moved when Julie forwarded the note from Mark's wife about
>his death. I'd never corresponded with Mark like I have several others
>here, but I did enjoy his writing. I could empathize with his concerns
>when he first went to the Mayo Clinic, and now regret that I didn't
>write his to relate my own experience and concerns. In pain and illness,
>one shouldn't be alone.
>
>
>
>Last night I was thumbing through papers on the bookshelf and came
>across a letter size mailing envelop. I knew what was inside and felt a
>slight rush as I removed the contents. It was a collage of people, all
>members of The Spoon from many years ago. I stood for several minutes
>touching faces and remembering many. So far I've only met one in real
>time. (Dee darling, don't give up, I'll be back one of these days.)
>There was Toby with her Cello, and Monique, and many whom I knew but
>didn't recall there name, only their stories.
>
>
>
>I recognized that some are gone, and other's lives have changed
>dramatically in the passing years. Most of the story tellers are quiet
>these days and I miss them. The real serendipity of my discovery came
>from the face of the envelop. It was hand written in beautiful
>penmanship. There in the upper left hand corner, the return label read
>"Rock and Roll Heaven".
>
>
>
>I miss my friend Youngblood and her wild youthful roadie stories. I miss
>her efforts to write after the doctors altered her brain synapse. I
>always wanted her to quit smoking. I didn't tell her, I only thought it
>to myself. She was the first person to write me when I joined The Spoon
>over 10 years ago. She always replied quickly, regardless of the
>subject. Despite her best efforts to convince you otherwise, she was a
>most kind and caring person. Who could forget the kissing booth and her
>love for a man in uniform, especially a Marine. I remember her broken
>ankle on the Shores of Bandon and the world wide spoon drive with
>presentation in an ammunition case. I remember the moment she spread her
>wings to the four corners of the earth, and the Majick Dust that fell on
>us all that day.
>
>
>
>Perhaps I've simply become a sentimental old fool. I have my memories in
>that collage of warm friends. You couldn't pay me to part with them.
>Those friends were, and several have remained, a strong comfort when
>life looked a little bleak.
>
>
>
>Jim

Well look who woke up and poked his head through the leaves! Hi, Jim. 
 From one sentimental old fool to another-good to see you.

You have brought back some fond memories. I think it's time someone 
put together an up-to-date collage of Banyanites.

Cecil