I don't think J will mind if I publish this. J is a 35 year old athletic trainer who helps me work-out at a PT clinic 2-3 times/week. The charge is minimal. It is not PT, so they don't charge me anywhere near the PT rate. What I need is some sort of ongoing exercise, "maintenance" exercise may be a good word.

I go to the clinic and they help me on/off several machines. In addition to the therapy of exercise, there is a significant social therapy of being in the gym with PTs, trainers and clients. The interaction is funny, stimulating and often inspiring. J and I have enjoyed much jocular banter and some serious talk as well. He is from Madison WI, so we have that background in common. He has only been here for 8 months and is a little homesick.

J is getting married to K next week. A week ago Friday, someone else at the Clinic told me that there was to be a small send-off for them at a local pub. Staff was invited. I was invited too. So I went and had a good time and figured that was that.

Yesterday J gave me this note that he had written.

Lars,

Thank you for celebrating with K and I at BW3's. The greatest gift I could have received that day was seeing you come in the door.

Thank you for your weekly insights into the depths of knowledge. Thank you also for masking me feel closer to home. There is something about a Northern wit that makes me feel closer to Mad-town.

Thank you, J and K

And thank you, young buckeroos. May your lives be rich and round.

-- (lars@indy.net), July 06, 2002

Answers

"Masking" => "making"

-- (lars@indy.net), July 06, 2002.

That was beautiful Lars! Yes, we all have opportunities every day, to plant seeds of love, or seeds of hate. I am glad to see your friend J is a good gardener, and you, the fertile soil! You are fortunate indeed, to have met such a wonderful soul on your lifepath. Thank you for sharing that. May your garden continue to growth, both in friendship and in love.

-- Aunt Bee (Aunt__Bee@hotmail.com), July 06, 2002.

Oh Larsie, that was so lovely. It maketh me unto puke.

-- (roland@hatemail.com), July 07, 2002.

...And sometimes just a smile will do.

-- Maria (anon@ymous.com), July 10, 2002.

Amen Maria, amen.

-- Aunt Bee (Aunt__Bee@hotmail.com), July 13, 2002.