Loren and Bobbi

Loren and Bobbi

Thirty-nine years ago as a senior in high school, my good bud Peggy talked me into a spring hike in the Olympic Mountains with her church youth group. Two members of the group were in choir with me, Loren, who sat next to me in the tenor section, and Bobbi, who played the piano. We expected a walk in the park, and were completely unprepared for the snow still piled everywhere.

Loren had a bit of a crush on Bobbi, the principal's daughter, and off limits for guys with date stuff (necking to be specific) on their minds. She was a very sweet girl, and I could understand Loren's interest.

Well, as the photo depicts, the hike went badly slogging through the snow and we gave up. I captured them together at the turn around point, about half way to our destination, Loren struggling in the snow while trying to pose next to Bobbi, watching him.

I graduated a few months later and never saw Loren again. But, I still remember him as being a really nice guy. So much so that he is included in my book Runners, as the guy Jon Perone sits next to in choir, along with his crush on Jenny, the piano player. The characters are not close to being the same people, but would not exist if not for Loren and Bobbi

Yesterday, I read Loren's obiturary at 54. So, Loren, although I haven't seen you in 39 years and probably never would had you continued, this is my farewell to you. As Mr. Hope said for us all, thanks for the memories.

And, as a reminder to myself, life isn't long enough. Don't let go of those really nice people in your life. Better to capture them on a snow day in spring than in a farewell blog.