Wednesday, June 10, 2020
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Fred and I worked together for 15 years at the Four County Library System. He was always fixing something on the old bookmobile-shelves, replacing bulbs inside,as well as lights needed for driving. One time Fred was repairing the roof. It seems some rivets loosened up from the new satellite that got replaced- they just needed a little clear caulk. Simple, but it worked. Eventually we did a few things together. Then Fred talking about retiring, so I got to learn from Fred how to drive the bookmobile. And he taught me what he knew about the satellite and how to fine tune it. Used a lot of that caulk. What a great time that was. He would make jokes, and we would laugh. And many mornings, Fred and I would do our bus driving lesson and go to breakfast. Damn, he could park that bus anywhere and still get out, with cars and trucks all around the bus. What a great man to have worked with. He would pick out books for some patrons that he was close to. I asked "did they like them?" and he said "most of the time."
Fred was so proud of his kids, their sports, education, and careers. And I would share about my kids. Fred and I could talk about anything after awhile. And with Fred, he kept things private. And for two men that met by Faith, a true friendship was formed. Even after Fred retired, he would come down to Binghamton to chat and have breakfast. And I too would make the trip to Cortland to visit, swim in the pool, and sometimes work on Fred's Old Chevy: his Ice Cream Cruiser. Then one day, Fred called and asked if I could meet him half-way in Whitney Point for breakfast. We had a nice breakfast and laughed. And the funny thing was the sign FRIEND'S DINER! That was the name of the place! That was the day Fred told me he was sick. And two men got choked up, and shed a tear or two. We said to each other we were thankful that we met and became such good friends. I said to Fred that some of his kindness rubbed off on me. We each reached to shake hands, but hugged instead- we both looked at each other said I love ya man. Rest in peace, my friend.
