saturday
a long talk with a close friend

today
i reconnected with a mentor
i was sitting on the porch reading
and all of the sudden larry's name came to mind

actually i've thought of him thousands of times
over the last 10 years - i think i last saw him in 1996
that last visit was painful and somewhat fearful
as he had been experiencing great difficulties

i don't think that either of us meant to abandon the other
i think life happened -
i didn't realize he had needed to go unlisted for a while
i was worried when i couldn't connect
and i allowed my worry to paralyze me

i told him today that i'd often thought of trying to call
fearing that i'd discover something awful had happened
he was sorry for not tracking me down as well

today i responded to that call of the Spirit in my spirit
and i was so pleased when i heard his voice say, "hello?"
"larry?"
"yes?"
"it's greg - is this the larry i think it is?"
"is this the greg that is married to dixie?"

and then we talked for a little over three hours

"i have so many things to share with you, greg.
but i've been saving them until we can share in person
remind me when i see you to tell you about..."
(he listed 6 or 7 things)

we made a date to get together next weekend
he only lives about an hour away
but it crosses a state line, so it seems like a big hour

i could tell you things about this amazing man
that you would not believe
he is the strongest and toughest man that i have ever met
he has survived things that are unbelievable
he built his house - literally - and nearly died twice trying
he is also one of the most tenderhearted and kind men i've ever known
he has plenty of flaws that only serve to make me seem more believable

he gave up lots of his time when we first met to care for me spiritually
and to teach me (and dixie) about the reality of God's love and grace
at a time when we so needed all of that special attention and care
he affirmed me and prayed blessing after blessing over me
he taught me that tough and deeply caring work well together

our conversation today resumed as if no time had passed

i'm so thankful to God for larry and for the influence he's had in my life
and i thank you God for this opportunity now to see him again