Sayin' Good bye

Kathy and Bill Berkley

Our sons, Willie and Chad, are one day apart in age.  We first met the Berkleys when those boys were playing on the same rec league basketball team. Our friendship blossomed from that point on. 

So, it's safe to say that nearly 40 years of friendship took just a "slight detour" yesterday when we said good bye.  It's never a permanent "good bye" these days, though, thanks to Facebook and the "World Wide Web." 

Still, the Berkleys, are opening a new chapter in their lives when they leave Laclede and drive down the road bound for Oregon where they'll be closer to their son Chad and his family. 

A few of their many friends---many of fellow retired educators---gathered at the Koski home in Kootenai to wish the couple well.  As usual, the party featured almost nonstop talk, healthy laughter and even a few tears. 

It was bittersweet, to say the least.  

Best wishes to Kathy and Bill, and, as I said yesterday, see you on Facebook.