RIP

My friend Mike and I met in junior high and became good friends. He was drafted into the army in the mid sixtys and after His discharge He moved to california and I lost track of Him. I saw Mike twice since He moved back to kansas ten years ago and that was only to say hi, after all the years that had passed I guess We just didn't know each other anymore. Well, anyway, when I heard that Mike had died last week I got to thinking about the great times We had together. His parent's house was located at the south edge of town and We would walk from there to the river which was about 1/2 mile south across a wheat field, I couldn't count the number of times We carried our fishing tackle and bait across that field and spent the day fishing, and exploring, While I was reminiscing about those times I remembered an incident that I had forgotten about. It was a very warm summer day and the river was up and running very swift. It hadn't rained where We were, but a few miles north it had rained heavily for a couple of days. There was a steep bank that We dug steps into so as to get down to the water's edge. the river was deep at that place even when running normally and on that day it was halfway up the bank and as I said was flowing very fast. I can't recall why I decided to try to get closer to the water, but I do recall the top step that We had carved in the steep bank giving away and the feeling of panic the second I realized that I was sliding towards that deep, swift water. There was nothing to grab hold of and I couldn't get back up. Mike heard Me holler and ran over to where I was and leaned over the bank, grabbed My hand, and pulled Me to safety. I remember We made kind of a joke of the incident and got on to doing whatever We were doing that day. Mike probably saved My life that day and I am sure I was aware of that at the time. Thinking about that long ago day now I can't remember ever thanking Him. So, Mike although it is a little late, Thank You, If it wern't for You I might not be here today writing these words, Rest in peace My Friend.