Julian
my grandpa's golfing buddy of 25 years recently past away. Julian was one of those 90 year-olds who acted like they were 59...tops. one of those flirtin' fast-walkin', smooth-talkin' geezers you see picking up the 70 year-old Ladies' Auxillary members at bunco games, ice-cream socials...and their husband's funerals.
Julian really was my grandpa's only friend...and someone who really made him believe that you're only as young as you feel. i think he and my grandpa were kindred souls - loners laughing at the irony of the "Golden Years".
at Julian's funeral my grandpa took a golf ball and placed it in Julian's hands as he layed in his casket, his smile that same Luck-be-a-Lady smirk he carried all his life. The smirk he gave my grandpa when he landed a ball in the pond instead of on the green; "Well Vernon, that's how it goes!"
there's an extra set of clubs in my grandpa's garage... i think i'll take up golfing.
after all, my grandpa needs a new golfing buddy.