Too young to drive……your mom would drive you to the Geneva exit as we ventured into the world of dogs. That was 48 years ago and how does one condense forty-eight years of laughter and yes, some heartbreaks too as we learned about dogs and dog shows as well as each other. In summer we camped in our vans, stayed at Anne Marie and Randy’s for Combined and shared motel rooms at specialties. Who will ever forget that I accidentally drove off with YOUR van keys in my pocket leaving you stranded!! Grading puppies as you compared bands with my son who was closer in age to you. Pittsburgh, as you told the teen aged team in the next room to be quiet or ELSE .Coke bottles bursting in winter from the frigid temps and trying to clean up frozen sodas in the van. Whether Irish or English setters, they were “our” setters as we co-owned.
As you worked your way through college and started to date Sam to your wedding day when the flowers failed to arrive. Do you think the neighbor lady minded that we picked flowers? The day Rachel made her arrival and I was honored to select her Christening dress, the lovely Baptismal service and the party after in Syracuse with your family. How we panicked when we “lost” Rachel at Seneca Lake Park only to find her playing happily with new found friends. When you moved to Fulton, I told you I could only visit in summer, and you thought nothing of 4 feet of snow as “normal”. But her bridal shower was a beautiful summer day. Finally, the wedding of Bob and Rachel in her grandfather’s church…..another moment to remember.
As the years went on and health issues intervened, the days of dog shows were only memories to reflect on but meanwhile friendship remained.
Be at peace my friend.
Bernie
