Contributed by Jack
I’m Just a Rambling Man…
Sunday, May 10, 1998
So here it is, the middle of May of 1998. We graduated 5 years ago- seems
to me just like yesterday- doesn’t it? I sit here now and wonder where the
next few years will take us- as friends and as individuals. We have all changed
since June of 1993- some more than others – but we all have changed. Who would
have thought that PBF would be married – I know I didn’t, and I am sure that
he didn’t either! Cap’n, too will be married soon – don’t you remember
him complaining about never having a woman up at #2? Huh, who’d have
thought… Al has certainly seen his fair share of changes as well- divorce of
parents and the problems it causes is something that a lot of people never make
it through- a commendable job to you for keeping your head on straight through
it all, my friend. The loss of a mother is something else that can really shake
a person up- Mental – and I must say that you handled it well. Death is
something that we all must learn to deal with as it is but a part of life that
must be dealt with as it comes along – something I as well have had to deal
with – not fun, but necessary. As
for me, well I think that I have changed the least- I really haven’t done much
since graduation, perhaps never will- I don’t really know, perhaps really
don’t want to either. I would like to go back to school and get myself a
decent job that will allow me to see my dreams become reality- but then isn’t
that what we all want? Will it happen? Can’t say- hopes and dreams are all
that I got now- never do know- perhaps, perhaps…
Our friendship has persevered through
it all- the PITW’s being the great uniting force that seems to bring us all
back together. I will admit to not being the best person when it comes to
getting together – I certainly know that – however PITW’s are different
– a force too strong to resist. How many more will there be? Ultimately, only
time will tell. Certainly, our friends that choose the path of family life will
be the first to not come anymore – nothing bad about this – just the way it
is when you become a father. Why is this PITW event something that a 20-some
year old would want to do anymore anyway? Is it time to quit acting like 17
year-olds? Yes, in a way – but I think we have all matured a little since PITW
II. I don’t think we are like 17 year olds anymore- perhaps we drink too much
and do some dumb things- but ultimately we have fun- and, boys, isn’t that
what life is all about? You never can tell when you will leave this earth and I
feel that you must make what you can out of everyday. Remember we are talking
about a week once a year- a meager 7 days – not too much to ask of bosses and
wives or girlfriends. Jobs are important and family even more so- but this is
something special, this PITW thing- something that I feel is an important
tradition to keep alive – even after it stops making sense! While the world
keeps on changing around us, we have this powerful tool to keep it from changing
us. It’s a chance to return to your roots- to look back into the past and
reminisce – too look at the present and see what needs changing – too gaze
into the future and see what the roads ahead may bring. Ultimately, Life
is Change – and change it will – for it is too powerful a thing for
anyone to stop- but perhaps as a group we can mold it into something that, just
before we are called home, can be looked back at with a smile and a fulfilled
heart. That’s my dream- what’s yours?
-
Justin “Jack”
Tryles