Four years ago today, I was on a cross-country flight from San Francisco to Baltimore to attend the celebration of the life of my good friend Jed. Jed and I met in Hillside Hall on the campus of James Madison University in the fall of 1995. Fate dealt me a winning hand – I landed on a floor with a bunch of great guys, many of whom I still consider friends to this day.
With my daughter pondering life after high school, my mind drifts back to my own JMU journey. It was my first leap into the unknown, choosing to pursue my education six hours away from home, at a school where I did not know a soul. But once I stepped foot on campus, I never looked back.
Jed and I circa 1999
College, as they say, is a mixed bag – it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. While I believe in the value of a college education and the life lessons it brings, I recognize that my kids will chart their own course post-high school. Whatever path they choose, I hope they look back on that time of their life as fondly as I do.
My college experience was excellent. The memories never fail to light up my face. Just a few months before Jed left us, he orchestrated a reunion of the old crew, bringing us back to campus for our 20-year reunion. Twenty-five of us returned to campus, reliving our younger days with stories, laughter, tunes, and some drinks. I knew Jed wasn’t at his best health-wise, but I never imagined it would be the last time we would hang out together. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Four years ago, we reconvened once more to bid Jed a final farewell – a daytime send-off that seamlessly turned into a night of reminiscing, music, and drinks flowing freely, just as Jed would have wanted. Little did I know it would be the last big gathering for a while. As I flew back to California, the sight of passengers sporting masks hinted at the looming reality of COVID-19.
I always weave lyrics and songs in my blog posts because music has this uncanny knack to tap into emotions when words fall short. Bob Dylan’s “He Was a Friend of Mine” hits me right in the gut, a poignant ode to Jed that leaves me a bit misty-eyed. But there’s another song – a single note of which instantly transports me back to the good ol’ days with Jed, evoking laughter and warmth. If you were there, you know the song I’m about to share.
Jed, I miss you friend. When you see Maggie May, tell her I wished I’d never seen her face.
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