This page is dedicated to my old and dear friends:

Kenny

Kenny Milam was, of course the main guy (singer and guitarist) in the band I played in for years, The Crystal Image.  We visited, for the first time in 20 years, at McAlester High School class reunion in 1991, but I hadn't seen him since then.  In July, we drove to Poteau, OK where he lives with his terrific wife, Tina (who we met for the first time), and a their pair of little rug rats.  Our visit was too short, though - gotta plan better next time.

Kenny with Tina and the boys, Ian and Eli.

A nice family photo

Kenny and me

Bob

Bob Williams is a fraternity brother (Pi Kappa Alpha) at Oklahoma State University (Gamma Chi Chapter).  We were closer friends, I think, than the "average" fraternity brothers, because we worked together as co-rush-chairmen for one summer.  We stayed in touch until we left Tulsa (1982) - since then I'd only visited once with Bob, a long time ago.  We visited for a couple of hours in Tulsa in early July.  Again, poor planning limited our time to visit.

Bob and me

Pam

Pam (Hamilton) Palmer was a good friend during those klutzy teen-years.  I don't know how I lost track of her, but I'm sure it had been nearly 30 years.  I've wanted to locate her for quite some time.  It took some networking via the Internet to find her again!  Pam and her family were planning a trip to Colorado Springs soon, so we made plans to get together.  She is exactly the same Pam!  I'm grateful she was such a good friend way back then, and I'm especially grateful that she's still a good friend after all those years.

Their boys, Adam and Alex

Pam and Mike Palmer

Mike is also a Pi Kappa Alpha alumnus - but, as you can see from his shirt, from O.U. (Beta Omicron Chapter).

Our family

Pam and me

Charles Schultz Philosophy

 You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read the email straight through and you'll get the point!

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
 
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
 
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
 
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
 
How did you do?
 
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.
 
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
 
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
 
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
 
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson:
 
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.

They are the ones that care.