Hey, Gene...

Happy birthday, old buddy. I must admit I've never done this before - that is, wish you a happy birthday "on time", and never in a letter, of all things. 58 next Thursday, eh?

Well, I was telling someone about you the other day - high school graduation 'seat-mates' in Italy...you went on to A&M and I went to Texas - but we stayed in each other's dorms for the annual Turkey Day games. And, the fist fights among our buddies back then - especially when the Hook'ems beat the Ags in the final minute in '63, over there at your place. After the game you wisely advised me to vacate the premises before they "kill you." Funny now. Not funny then, Gene! And that summer in D.C.! The "1789" Club on M Street in Georgetown was never the same after you and I left town. Good buddies. Best friends. Enough.

Let me bring you up to date, although I'm sure you get the papers there. We've been having some strange times in the old USA recently, Gene. In a way, times not unlike those when you were last here... but also very different. Many changes for the better - heck, Gene, you wouldn't believe the technological changes since you left in 1969... everything's on computer now. Even this letter. Believe me, there's no typewriter ribbon!

But some things just aren't much better, Gene. At least so it seems. We still lose totally innocent people. Getting over loss is tough because sometimes, the cause of the loss itself is so stupid. And, it's both inter-national and intra-national. Heck, nations, many of them new ones, are at each others throats constantly... and even people inside some countries just flat don't tolerate each other. What to do? Here in the US, I think we're still in a daze from a year ago - you know what I'm talking about. It was pretty brutal, Gene. And the next couple of weeks will be tough on a lot of folks, as I know you know, loss always is.

Your loss was tough, Gene, and that of your buddies. We built a monument - we call it The Wall - in D.C. to remember all of you, and I can tell you it's pretty hallowed. Here's a little part of it I thought you'd like to see.

It may LOOK small, Gene, but that little pencil scratching is HUGE in spirit... we really DO remember you. Big time. Oh, not just as the Aggie drinkin' buddy who lost more than your share of wagers to this old Tea-Sip, but as a guy who gave so much more than the rest of us, on the really important things. Thanks, man. Thanks from all of us.

Now, Gene, since you're still very much with us in thought, would you PLEASE stop acting like you're still a month shy of 25. You're gonna' be 58 next Thursday, for cryin' out loud. Happy Birthday, Old Man! Happy Birthday, Friend.

            Bill.