It’s been seven years since I lost my good friend in Iraq.  It has now become a wonderful tradition, aided by modern technology like this blog and social media, that many of my close friends and family gather on the interwebs to honor Tim’s memory.  There’s no doubt the world misses him and there’s no doubt that my friends and family miss Tim and there’s no doubt that I miss Tim.

We’re in Florida now enjoying a family vacation.  In this picture, Ryan is the “bus driver” giving us instructions on where we’re going.  In this game I see a bit of myself and a whole lot of Tim.  The three amigos, Tim, Matt Clement and I were insanely imaginative and yet content to just be together.  Throw in those from the Circle Gang and we had one childhood full of play and friendship.

At the risk of sounding over-the-top, today is a great day to honor a man who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that my boys could enjoy a life of peace and security.  I know Tim’s family has paid a dear price for that peace so I think it’s important that we not squander the opportunity.  I hope I raise my boys to the blue print that Tim created for us.  I hope they feel the unconditional love of a friend, as I have, and I hope that they learn to treat everyone with the same unselfish respect that Tim did. A tip of the hat today to a good man.  I miss you.