Wayne

Last night, I called Wayne, the best of family friends. Wayne is 89, just as sharp as he can be, but is lamenting the fact that all of his friends have died. As he said, "No one is left who calls me kid!"

Wayne has always been one of my favorite people. He was an insurance salesman, so had great people skills. He should have run for office. He is accepting of everyone he meets and always looks on the positive. I have never heard him criticize anyone. He is from Ord, Nebraska. I looked it up on a map and Ord is close to nothing, except a river. I don't know whatever or whoever else came out of Ord, but it sure produced a great man in Wayne.

Aside from being able to sell insect spray to cockroaches, Wayne could round up cattle at the family ranch, fix most things with bailing wire and chewing gum and play the piano like a pro, although he never had a lesson. If there was a problem, Wayne could take care of it. He raised three great kids and I always thought it would have been wonderful to have Wayne as a dad. He could correct a problem with firmness, but you always knew he was on your side.

Perhaps Wayne's greatest talent was his choice in women. Wayne's wonderful wife, Dorothy, was very different than Wayne, but like him, she had a huge heart and loved everyone. She was positive and you just knew she cared about you.  Wayne and Dorothy were one of my Dad's greatest supports after my Mom left him. More than once, I saw Wayne tell a story or a joke, Dorothy would roll her eyes a bit, but loved every second of it. Dorothy passed away a year and a half ago, leaving an unfillable hole in Wayne's heart.

At 89, Wayne will see his Dorothy again one of these first years. He'll join again with those who'll call him kid. He'll visit with my Mom and Dad. In the meantime, if you are ever a little down, want to have a laugh or hear a great story or just feel a little better about life and the people in it, just call Wayne. He's up to it!