My Army

You should see my favorite
people,
You catch a glimpse of gold through their skins.
I walk on air whenever I’m with them,
They’re where the happiness begins.
And I’m alright on my own, but with them I’m much better. They’re like diamonds and diamonds are forever.
Meet my friend, Lucy, whom I have known for over 30 years. This weekend she threw a great party, Retiredstock, for friends who have retired from their jobs in 2014: teachers, engineers, and artists. At Retiredstock, each retiree crossed the stage when their name was called, and instead of a diploma, Lucy pinned a set of wings to their backs.

They stand taller than
giants,        
They outshine all the stars
They are the love above the love
They’re my army of fortune,
They win every war
They are the love above the love

After raising kids, and filling our days with meaningful work, here we are, still laughing and loving, open to new adventures and ideas, scheming on the next new hike or art project or interesting place to visit. 

I remember when we were in our twenties, rounding Schooner Bend on the Kenai River; Lucy and I in kayaks, furiously paddling and screaming like we were on an amusement park ride, exhilarated by the fast water. And the kayak trip to Kodiak, when we flew for the first time, in a Widgeon, a small amphibious aircraft that lands on water (without floats, mind you). On the take-down, the belly of the plane set down and bobbed like a cork while mini waves rolled and splashed the airplane’s windows.  

Exploring the beautiful waters of the Kodiak archipelago was priceless.  

And no one eats a marshmallow cooked over an open fire quite like Lucy. She savors every morsel in the same way she savors life. With deep enthusiasm, reverence and gratitude for all that is.

Discussing books and politics, sharing stories, creating art, writing, hiking, singing, and playing music; through all the decades of our lives, good friends are the wind under our sails.  

They’re a boat when I’m underwater
They tame the sharks and they calm the waves
When I choke they pat my back harder
My load is light, my secrets are safe
And I’m alright on my own but with them I’m much better
They’re like diamonds and diamonds are forever

I wonder where I would be today without that handful of friends that have given me a heart full of joy.

They stand taller than
giants, they outshine all the stars
They are the love above the love
They’re my army of fortune,
They win every war
They are the love above the love

Listen to “Army” by Boy. With our friends we’re much better. They’re like diamonds, and diamonds are forever.