My Friend John

Our new life just begun as homeowners and newlyweds. This man with that springy almost playful gait was always around the new neighborhood that was full of dirt with newly seeded lawns and cut scrap wood scattered around our homes. His assigned himself to a neighborhood watch to make sure that he knew how construction was being conducted. His curiosity that led him to this watch with his special way was almost inborn. You could see, even his early acquaintance, how this man just got that youthful curiosity of wanting to be where the action was.

His conjovial manner attracted him to the work crew and he soon became one of the guys amongst the workers. That was just the way he was. One of the guys but one that stood with his head on tight and with an inspiring way to do things that might be a little different from the traditonal way but well planned and sure to be put to the test for longetivity and always with functionality in mind. That was the kind of man he was. Like a scientist with a new project, John Driscoll was there to put it to the test with his ingenuity and times-gone-by work ethics.

Things became clearer with time. During his walks we would exchange the usual ritual type talk about "how are you and the family", "what a great day", "what do you think about the new home they are building down the street?"

In a short amount of time, our conversations became deeper and more personal. We would talk about local town government, different changes and prices at the supermarket, ways to do things around the home and always with a possibile unpredictable gest that would make you think as well as make you laugh. He entertained you with his facial expressions and famous wink and downward twist of his shoulder as if he was to spring into an Irish dance. He would always leave with some whimisical words such as "the Mrs. would think I was kidnapped" or she "won't know where I was" or "I got to have my spot of tea" or "I have to finish the Globe".

As he walked away, I always was left thinking. A different type of feeling was with me. A feeling of respect or motivation, inspiration and some times bewilderment. I was always proud when he suggested that I was doing a fine job on a project but I welcomed his looks of astonishment and sometimes deep thought when he would suggest alternate ways to do what I have tried or what I proposed to do.

As time went on I realized that there was something different about this man. A solid philosphy of life that negates small injustices of the day and rewards hard work and kind ways. He was always there with inspiration, levity and care. He became my mentor. Goodbye my friend and may you enjoy that most beautiful rainbow that everyone will someday see but that pot of gold at the end does not exist.

You left it here for us to enjoy and cherish with your friendship and short time on this wonderful mortal place that you made nicer. I will always inspire toward your nod of approval...