July 20, 2005
Do I still miss my Bud?
Do I still miss my Bud?
Yes pholks, I can honesty say I miss him, but now after eight years, I continue to be much Weiser.
And I'm convinced that Bud, with whom I departed company in late July, 1997, and I will never get together again.
The break-up was all my doing. It was a friendly breakup. Like all true friendships it will be everlasting. But fact is, pholks, I'm a better person for parting with the guy who many refer to as the King.
There are days when a visit with Bud would be welcome. After a hot game of golf, a break during yard work under the sizzling San Joaquin Valley sun. But even a 10-minute visit ain't going to happen. I'd bet anything.
Like the memory of a first love or a first automobile, there are things the average person just can't forget. I have friends who I haven't seen in close to 40 years and most likely never will. But I'm convinced I won't forget them. I have a good track record for long-ago recall. It's the "what did I have for breakfast this morning?" syndrome which might become a concern--in another 25 years or so.
I still associate with some of Bud's distant relatives and even see Bud now and then. We don't speak but that's certainly not a snub. It's a sign of respect. And, in a weird way, pride.
Bud is the kind of guy who understands. After all, he is the King. and known for his class.
I'm not sure how he and I met, and I don't remember our first encounter.
I don't think we met in high school but if we did it wasn't a memorable event. In those days, Bud wasn't one of the main guys some of my more adventuresome classmates hung with. After all, Bud was basically an Eastern guy who really wasn't too well known "out west." And most of the guys who had heard of Bud thought him to be "too expensive" compared to the locals. He didn't have varying numbers of blue dots under his labels. No special caps or pull tops. (But that's a story for another time.) Of course, I guess some of my classmates and others didn't really have good taste in those days.
The last time I talked about Bud I mentioned my special kinship with him. I was honored to be given a ride in his special hot air balloon. I've bought some of his logoed shirts, and hats and other stuff marketed by his associates. I have seen his majestic horses and had tears in my eyes watching some of his TV ads. I‘ve told of saluting Bud's trucks which transport him across the country.
And I do admit that I still give a warm glance when a Bud truck passes. Sort of like the "na-new, na-new" between Mork and Mindy." Strange to the unknowing but special to them.
My inward smile is my way of paying respect to Bud.
Over the past eight years several of my friends (I think I have at least10) have asked if I have problems without my Bud. I take great pride in honestly answering, "Not in the least," but thanks for asking." My smile is sincere.
My wife is very proud of me for breaking up with Bud and some of his sidekicks who were among my "gang" She didn't hate Bud. Nor was she jealous although I admit she had cause for being concerned. I never intentionally stayed out too long with Bud, but it happened. Bud didn't get chewed out, but I did. I deserved it. Those adventures were my fault, not Bud's.
Today I know how proud Kathy is of my self-imposed exile from my friend Bud. She tells me so. And, pholks, I gotta admit I take great pride in not being tempted to renew my long-term friendship with my Bud.
Bud was a buddy. Kathy is a lover and a wife and best friend. Bud was, and is, known for being Number One. The King.
My wife calls me her Prince for various reasons which again make another story worth telling. And being a prince is about as good as I can ever hope for. Living up to that honor has become a lot easier without ever having to worry about the return of my Bud.
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