My very best friend Bill

This is for my grandson, Ethan, and anyone else who would like to join us.

My family moved into our home at 2500 Walnut Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa when I was three years old. It was a wonderful neighborhood with huge elm trees lining the street. A lot of that time I don't remember, but what I do remember was making friends with the boy across the street, Bill Dodd. Bill was a couple of years older than me, but he took me into his life like he was my older brother.

Now, when I think of those times I think of you and Nicolas, and what wonderfull friends you two are. I was lucky to have Bill as my best friend just like you are with Nicholas.

Bill and I did everything together. He taught me about baseball and football. We played catch for hours. We tent camped in his back yard, played with his electric train in his bedroom, and read lots of comic books.

We learned a big lesson when we nearly burned Dodd's garage down. Fortunately we were not hurt except for the spanking we got from Bill's dad. We were both very lucky.

Bill and I learned to ride a bicycle at about the same time. From that point on we went everywhere, or at least we thought we had.

We grew up together and our friendship grew as well. We did go in different directions from time to time, but we were always great friends.

I looked up to Bill and he watched out for me. We were both in the same college fraternity, we both became teachers, we each raised a son and a daughter.

We are still great friends eventhough we live far apart. I always call him on his birthday and he always calls me on mine.

When you have a great friendship it will be for as long as you live. I truly hope that you and Nicholas will be friends forever.