March 15, I lost my best friend of 35 years, Tim Atkins. We fancied ourselves as Hardy Boys, characters in Narnia, or Hawkeye & BJ in M*A*S*H* - Tim was king of the practical jokers, we would not salute arrogant authority, and laughter was a spiritual weapon. We saw M*A*S*H*as a parable of life, and especially church. We thought of church as a place for the wounded - a mobile hospital with smart-ass surgeons/ministers. I miss my buddy. So much to still talk about, laugh about - but the other cot in the "Swamp" is empty. And like BJ I find it difficult to say good-bye, even as the helicopter lifts Tim into Narnia. I still circle around here below on my bike & sidecar. The best I can muster is my lasting tribute.....
