When I was a kid my two best friends, Greg and Jeff , were brothers who lived across the street from my family in Mid-Town Memphis. I was 8, Greg 10 and Jeff 6. We used to practice playing softball - pitching and catching - in TGI Friday's parking lot in Overton Square.
One terrible summer, my buddies drown in a swimming accident at Sardis Lake. Greg and Jeff were playing at the water's edge when their parents stepped away to pick up the family's lunch at the nearby concession stand. When Mr. and Mrs. Swanger returned, Greg and Jeff were no where to be seen. Their bodies were found the next day.
I had been invited to go with the Swangers to the lake, but my cousin was spending the night and I couldn't go. I've often wondered what would have happened had I gone. It was believed that Jeff, the younger brother got in trouble, Greg tried to save him and they both lost their lives.
Two weeks later Mr. Swanger came to our door bearing gifts for me - Greg's left-handed baseball glove and a softball. I remember being unable to talk and bursting into tears from this act of kindness from this grief-stricken father. Mr. Swanger's kind gift, Greg's glove and softball, held so much meaning in my 8 year old heart.
I recently painted this softball in memory of my two little buddies.
Amazing all the people and stories that shape our lives...
When I was a kid my two best friends, Greg and Jeff , were brothers who lived across the street from my family in Mid-Town Memphis. I was 8, Greg 10 and Jeff 6. We used to practice playing softball - pitching and catching - in TGI Friday's parking lot in Overton Square.