I woke this morning and headed for the treadmill to exercise before I go to work. I quickly remembered the one thing I wanted to do today...offer my thoughts again to Hollie and the family. It has been almost a year already since a good man went home and I think how quickly this time has passed.  I did not know what I wanted to say to all of you as I know you have already been told so many good thoughts and memories.  So please do not think it is selfish of me if I decided to just “run with it”.  I share this moment in time Hollie as Dave and I ran a few miles together today.

As the treadmill begins to whine, my mind quickly wanders.  I am flooded with funny memories and stories and laughter from those earlier years at work.  Those were fun times!  I think about the later years as we did not get to talk daily, as location and responsibilities changed.  But the memories remain long after regardless of the circumstances.  I often fall back on some of those memories to generate a smile at work... as with everything in this world... it all changes sooner or later but the memories can offer a moment of happiness no matter the circumstance.

I realize I am supposed to be exercising so I turn on some 80’s music (although some may not understand and call it “noise”, we get it!)  I find myself thinking of many of those long haired bands and tried to recall some of the popular names that we enjoyed.  The music plays and triggers more memories…I see a smiling face… a laugh… that certain grimace that I can’t describe, but I can see it!  I can hear his laughter above the music… wow!!!

Work enters into the picture and I run with that for a short time…realizing how I miss more than just the smile.  Man we could use you buddy!  OK enough of that let’s get back to some funny stories again… you know the ones about important stuff like food, and Hollie, and the kids, etc. I loved those Hollie stories. My favorite is still that dish rack from the earliest years and the “just do not tell Hollie” at the latest Sample car dinners.  Somehow, I think he learned his lesson from the lunch packing story!!!  We pick up the pace and crank the volume just a little more.

I see that face again and that special laugh. I grin, smile, and laugh… but I feel my face not quite expressing all laughter.  My lips pucker and I seem to have gotten some sweat in my eye all while I swallow deeply… I wipe the sweat from my cheek and keep going.  We turn up the music and run onto some other thoughts.  We share some more laughs… and on we go. I could have gone further but I realized I must stop!  I have to go to work.

Well Dave, we put in a good workout.  Actually it is about 10 minutes longer than normal. (I am sure your players and co-workers would agree that you do not settle for short cuts or the easy way out.)  But let me tell you buddy, you are going to make me late for work but I am glad we put in the extra effort today.  So, until next time… keep smiling.

Your friend,

Joe Johns