I met you Fifty-four years ago today. It wasn’t our best day, but it wasn’t our worst either. I couldn’t have conceived that day that fifty-four years later we’d still be together. Two old men, surrounded by our children, our grand children and a great grand child. Our wives under the oak tree, doting over the new mother and Simon in back of the shed, smoking one of the cigars he swore he gave up at our retirement. Just because I am ninety-four doesn’t mean my Sentinel sniffer isn’t working anymore. Ha! Wait till I lay that one on Simon then I’ll leave him to you for the lecture eh, Chief?
Fifty-four years Blair and look at us. You never did slow down, even now your mind still runs three steps ahead of everyone else’s, your children are so much like you, except for Henri, he’s like his momma, a very patient and practical soul. Those children do love you. I can fully understand why, you gave them the world with a pretty decent set of instructions too. You gave it to me as well. If not for you Blair Jacob Sandburg I would not be standing here secretly envying your hairline, which has stubbornly refused to recede. No eighty-year-old man has the right to that much hair! You really haven’t changed much, you just have way more wrinkles than the day we met and all that hair is very very white. Your eyes still have that same sparkle, you still have that bounce and you’re still every bit the sharp, intelligent, compassionate man that came to be my best friend and brother. That came to be my guide in this life.
The memories are fond my friend, even those first few rocky years. We learned so much and made our share of mistakes didn’t we? We survived though, and came back every time stronger than we were before. There were a few times that scared me, coming so close to loosing it all, but it never happened. You know one of my best days was standing up for you at your wedding. I was so proud, honored that you wanted me as your best man. I watched you close that day, and the way you looked at her when you placed the ring on her finger, it was joy. I love the fact that you still look at her the same way. Fifty years and that passion, that love still burns as bright as it did that day.
I see Simon has decided to join us again, he’s moving a lot slower these days but that man will always command attention and respect. Still gives you a fair amount of grief doesn’t he Chief? Hee hee that has a nice little rhyme to it. I know he misses Daryl, we all do. I remember the words you spoke at his funeral, how much comfort you imparted in five minutes. It was amazing, I watched the weight lift from Simon’s shoulders, he will always grieve, but at that moment he knew that Daryl died doing what he loved. Protecting the tribe. It pains me to know that Simon won’t be with us much longer. His illness is showing more all the time. I am going to miss him.
What about us? Face it we’re getting on here Chief, but fifty-four years ago I never expected to be this old. We’ve had quite an adventure haven’t we? I don’t have any regrets. My life has been blessed with abundance. I found a brother, guide and friend. I found the love I never thought I’d have. I found a purpose in the gift I had and I have lived and it all started fifty four years ago today.
Happy Anniversary, Chief.