Paul was one of my dearest friends from high school to when he moved to Madison near us my husband Cory and I and on to Lodi in his first home. We met him last Sunday the 19th at 7:00 to take him out for his birthday. Afterwards he came back to our place for one of our many cut-throat Scrabble games. As my lead began to slip to Cory, each round I said, ?Gotta T Paul? You see where we need a T?? Cory had a T.
He was one of the nerds with me in high school. Our little circle of friends had so much love for each other and they still do, I?ve found, since speaking with them over the last few days. He gave my dad such joy when he became the one to attend his alma mater at MSOE. We?d laugh each time that Paul walked in the house and my dad would make a point to be there and talk about the old school. For about 7 years, we exchanged bears as gifts until I amassed such a pile that I requested that we convert to books. He was so smart and so giving. Paul devoted so much of his time to caring for others, coaching teams at his grade school, running for the American Cancer Society, and coaching for the Special Olympics. It was one of my greatest joys that when he moved near us in Madison he became close friends with Cory. Recently, they were closer than we were, playing basketball, hanging out with the guys and even holding the same ?spending cash? second job. We loved sitting with him each Thursday at church.
Always introspective, Paul provided such wisdom and counsel during each of our conversations. I?d talk for hours; he?d listen and explain back to me what I actually was saying. My life was better with him in it. I am so blessed to have had him as a friend.
This Sunday at 7:00, I?ll be meeting my friend Paul for a very different reason. My only comfort is found in the fact that I?ll see him some day in heaven, where there?s always a T when you need one. We love you so much Paul.