Small World
A recent encounter with an old friend19 total reviews
Comment from Brad Bennett
Great story Bill. It took me back to my similar encounter.
I was in a 4-year stint in the Air force in Amarillo. The guy, at base supply handed out our bedding every Friday. He was always friendly, greeting me with a new funny story whenever I came by. One day he was excited, I'm going to Vietnam he boasted, overseas pay, combat pay.
"Damn," I said, that's scary. "No," he replied, "I'm in base supply, I'm safe there." Well, I found out later he was killed on his first job. He was pushing a load of supplies out the back of a cargo plane, on a touch and go landing, when his foot caught in the lash rope, and it pulled him out with it.
That war took so many. All we have is our storys now. Thank you Bill, well told writing.
reply by the author on 04-May-2021
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Great story Bill. It took me back to my similar encounter.
I was in a 4-year stint in the Air force in Amarillo. The guy, at base supply handed out our bedding every Friday. He was always friendly, greeting me with a new funny story whenever I came by. One day he was excited, I'm going to Vietnam he boasted, overseas pay, combat pay.
"Damn," I said, that's scary. "No," he replied, "I'm in base supply, I'm safe there." Well, I found out later he was killed on his first job. He was pushing a load of supplies out the back of a cargo plane, on a touch and go landing, when his foot caught in the lash rope, and it pulled him out with it.
That war took so many. All we have is our storys now. Thank you Bill, well told writing.
Comment Written 03-May-2021
reply by the author on 04-May-2021
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Thanks for reading Barrett and for your kind and generous feedback. I appreciate both!
Comment from Rdfrdmom2
bhogg:
What a wonderfully sentimental story. It is often bittersweet to run into
a friend/colleague many years down the road as it can often lead to very
sad news. The only thing your story didn't tell us is who picked up your
wife when you were supposed to?
Rdfrdmom2
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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bhogg:
What a wonderfully sentimental story. It is often bittersweet to run into
a friend/colleague many years down the road as it can often lead to very
sad news. The only thing your story didn't tell us is who picked up your
wife when you were supposed to?
Rdfrdmom2
Comment Written 09-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thanks for reading and your kind comments. I did finally pick her up...I did let her drive home! Bill
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that was probably a good idea
Comment from muffinmama
After an entire story of laughs and funny quips and the sharing of memories, I never saw that ending coming.
Very naturally flowing dialogue, successfully building a laid-back atmosphere.
Thanks for the enjoyable read.
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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After an entire story of laughs and funny quips and the sharing of memories, I never saw that ending coming.
Very naturally flowing dialogue, successfully building a laid-back atmosphere.
Thanks for the enjoyable read.
Comment Written 09-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thanks for reading and your kind feedback. I appreciate both! Bill
Comment from humpwhistle
Nice storytelling in mostly dialogue, Bill. I also like the way you point out the unpredictability of life on a very personal basis. The chance encounter with an old friend. The chance decisions made by army command that have long lasting repercussions. And, finally, the chance for a nap to turn into a tragedy. Well done, Recruit!
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Nice storytelling in mostly dialogue, Bill. I also like the way you point out the unpredictability of life on a very personal basis. The chance encounter with an old friend. The chance decisions made by army command that have long lasting repercussions. And, finally, the chance for a nap to turn into a tragedy. Well done, Recruit!
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 09-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thanks Lee--A six from you means a lot to me! Peace on you too! Bill
Comment from LJbutterfly
This story is very well written with attention to detail, great imagery and realistic dialogue. The reader could easily imagine being a third party at the bar. It's interesting that poor Tommy Lee was such a stereotypical African American . . . black, naturally big physique, muscular, and lazy as mud, (died taking a break). For story purposes, it was good you remembered him and it proved your point. Happy things can turn sad. Well done.
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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This story is very well written with attention to detail, great imagery and realistic dialogue. The reader could easily imagine being a third party at the bar. It's interesting that poor Tommy Lee was such a stereotypical African American . . . black, naturally big physique, muscular, and lazy as mud, (died taking a break). For story purposes, it was good you remembered him and it proved your point. Happy things can turn sad. Well done.
Comment Written 08-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thanks for reading and your kind feedback. Funny, Tommy's nickname was Hollywood. Incredibly good looking and when possible, wore mirrored sunglasses. I could have told you of some of the other characters, Groovy whose real name was Garvey. We called him Groovy, because he was the polar opposite, a seventeen-year-old, four-eyed, geek. He had to have parental permission to enter the army. Also a genius. In life's quirk's, Tommy was his guardian and protector, always making sure people weren't picking on him. Didn't even mention Stoner and Sweetness. Regards, Bill
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Sounds like there's enough information for more possible stories to come.
Comment from Goodadvicechan
This is a surprised meeting to catch up with the old daysã??
It is nice to meet an old friend by surprise. I like the dialogue and the reasonable priced beer.
Thanks for sharing
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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This is a surprised meeting to catch up with the old daysã??
It is nice to meet an old friend by surprise. I like the dialogue and the reasonable priced beer.
Thanks for sharing
Comment Written 08-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
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Thanks for reading and your kind feedback. I say that as I'm at my desk, not drinking cheap beer, but my favorite craft beer!
Comment from JudyE
It's amazing how you randomly come across people you knew from years back. I'm sure you both enjoyed the encounter. And you're right. It's doesn't take much to change the mood during a conversation. I didn't find anything nits. The conversation was very authentic.
Cheers
Judy
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2021
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It's amazing how you randomly come across people you knew from years back. I'm sure you both enjoyed the encounter. And you're right. It's doesn't take much to change the mood during a conversation. I didn't find anything nits. The conversation was very authentic.
Cheers
Judy
Comment Written 07-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2021
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Thank you Judy, both for reading and your kind comments. Bill
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Mannheim, Germany, Heidelberg and we were stationed two different tours in Darmstadt Germany. My older boys played Mannheim and Heidelberg in sports. Of course we used the Heideldberg hospital. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2021
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Mannheim, Germany, Heidelberg and we were stationed two different tours in Darmstadt Germany. My older boys played Mannheim and Heidelberg in sports. Of course we used the Heideldberg hospital. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 07-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2021
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Hope you enjoyed Germany. Actually tried staying as a civilian, but didn?t work out. I lived in Leiman.
Comment from BethShelby
I enjoyed reading this. I love non-fiction. too. I"ve had a few of those encounters with old acquaintances that leave you scratching you head as to how that could even be possible. It's a small world is always the answer. I see you're a southerner too. I grew up in Mississippi and lived in Louisiana before moving to Tennessee. Since you write non-fiction I'll be looking for more.
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2021
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I enjoyed reading this. I love non-fiction. too. I"ve had a few of those encounters with old acquaintances that leave you scratching you head as to how that could even be possible. It's a small world is always the answer. I see you're a southerner too. I grew up in Mississippi and lived in Louisiana before moving to Tennessee. Since you write non-fiction I'll be looking for more.
Comment Written 06-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2021
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Thanks Beth...Cheers to a fellow Southerner. Bill
Comment from Judy Lawless
An excellent story built with natural dialogue. It was great to listen in on the conversation between long-lost military buddies. Reunions are always the best. But, yes, they often turn to sadness.
One thing: If(n) fact, if they gave out master's degrees on lazy, Tommy would have one.
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2021
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An excellent story built with natural dialogue. It was great to listen in on the conversation between long-lost military buddies. Reunions are always the best. But, yes, they often turn to sadness.
One thing: If(n) fact, if they gave out master's degrees on lazy, Tommy would have one.
Comment Written 06-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2021
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Thanks for reading, your kind comments and the spot. I appreciate them all! Bill
