How can I tell you goodbye? 

How do I find words to say you are a good person? 

You’re the one to blame for me taking up golf. You sold me your son’s irons. I still remember the brand (Dunlops). I still say I paid too much for ’em. 

I hated your teams you hated mine. 

You’re not the type that leaves this earth the way you’re leaving. Unexpectedly expected. It’s not how I envisioned it. 

Rural west Texas in 1990. Oil fields as far as the eye could see. One-horse town only good for bringing in billions of dollars to the Texas economy, but an obscure living outside of that. 

I learned to lift weights because of you. What else was there to do in hamlet with one blinking light and one convenience store? Just a high school stadium, access to a gym and time. Oh and a dried up goat ranch for a 9-hole golf course. 

Your wife and family were the best around. You raised your daughters and son well. Two college grads and your son flirted with a Harvard admission until he settled on Texas Tech and achieved his degree also.   

How do I tell you good bye? With so many other friends and family wanting what’s left of your time. Will you remember what I have to say? 

How do I tell you good bye without you ever seeing me walk down the aisle, bride in tow? My only solace is knowing you met the girl I was crazy about in 1991. You were the only one of my friends she met. I thought that much of you. 

How do I tell you I will never forget your friendship when tragedy struck and completely disassembled my life forever?  You stepped in as a father figure and always found time for a quick trip to Lubbock to play a round at Pine Valley. 

How do I tell you good bye after so many years of friendship? Even those years when we didn’t keep up but always knew of your whereabouts through your son. I last saw you this time last year because of the untimely death of your brother. You took me to the airport even. So now it’s your turn to leave this earth? 

Flights out of Houston this late are next to impossible. Texas is playing your beloved Red Raiders (the team I love to hate) and I can’t find a rental car let alone a hotel that isn’t asking $600 a night for a pillow and bed. 

Just got word from your son you may not make it by the time I board the plane still unsure of where I’ll stay or if I can find a car. 

How do I say goodbye my dear friend? My tears are all I have and they can’t find their way to west Texas by the time you leave for good. 

How can I tell you goodbye…………….?