Just to touch the Wall,
that was one of my fondest dreams.
To see once again my friends' faces as I touched
their names on that wall.
It seems only yesterday when Joseph Reynolds was
saving me from the "bully" in school. A few years later Joseph
was throwing his blazing fastball at mystified high school'ers. We were
good friends in school and Joseph was always there when I needed him.
It's October 1992, and the big news in town is the
Wall has arrived.
As I walk up the hill with my son, to gaze upon the
gray Wall, clouds above us are closing in. It's cool outside, but my
heart is pounding inside.
As I approach the Wall, I know there is one name up
there I must find. Where to look, there are so many names. Many names
unknown, but all brothers.
After what seems an eternity, I locate the name
"Joseph L. Reynolds." My hand trembles as I touch his name,
and a tear slides down my face.
As I look up the Wall, I can see Joseph smiling at
me with his shy grin.
It has been a long time Joseph my friend, since I
saw you last. If I could bring you back again, we could renew our
friendship and reminisce about the past. It would be fun to play catch
again. If only we could turn back the hands of time.
For you and many others who spent so little time on earth, I know
after all you are at peace. Memories are something money cannot
buy...Lasting forever until the end of time.
As I left the Wall, I looked up to see the sun break through.
Peace had come over me as there was nothing else to do...
Except to say Good-bye until we meet once again...
It was nice to say Hello again
To touch the Wall.
And to see you once more.
So long Joseph, my friend, I have missed you for a long time... |
