To Temple Lee...Thank You.

When I sent out my last blog requesting ideas to write about, I got the usual requests to write on topics relating to inside jokes between old friends, some serious educational thoughts to discuss, and one that I never expected. The father of one of my dear friends that passed away in 1998 sent me a request to write about his son and my old friend, Temple Lee. For the Lee family, I hope this finds you well.

I met Temple in the latter part of my 10th grade school year. We remained great friends until his untimely death. As the years have passed I've come to understand what a wonderful and unique person that Temple was. He had a tremendous passion for music, specifically The Rolling Stones and The Doors. As I said when I spoke at his funeral he had the greatest running out of bounds behind the head hook shot I've ever seen on the basketball court. Temple loved to laugh and I loved to make him laugh, because his laugh was infectious.

All of Temp's friends got a kick out of his willingness to say anything to anyone. In the years since I oftened joked with others who knew Temple that it's a wonder we were never beaten up because of the things he would say to people. One incident in particular still remains with me like it was yesterday. Often, when we were in high school we would spend our nights playing basketball with college students at the old 'hill' on 14 th St. On one night when about 8 of us were playing and there were not many college students around a guy that at the time looked like a giant to us walks up in the middle of our game and says to none of us in particular, "Hey guys, can I play with yall?". I don't think that any of us really wanted him to play because we were already having such a good time, but I don't think any of us knew what to say to him. In an attempt to break the awkward silence the guy said, "Come on guys...please". To which Temple says standing in the giant guys face, "Dude, who begs!?" When it happened we all feared for Temple's life, as well as our own. Later, we laughed the night away about the incident.

I could go on and write a lot more about what was so wonderful about my old friend Temple, but instead I would like to take this opportunity to write him a thank you note.

Dear Temple,

When you passed so unexpectedly, I realized at an early age just how fragile this life is. I began reevaluating my entire life shortly after your funeral, and I began to make many changes in my life that would lead me to where I am now...a happy person. Temple, I owe you so much for the good that has happened in my life since your passing. I gained an understanding of how this life is so fleeting and that it makes so much more sense to live every moment like it's your last.

I would have never removed myself from a toxic relationship that was bringing me down. If I had not done that I would have never began dating and eventually marrying my awesome wife of 10 years now. I would have never gotten all the courage I needed to return to school to pursue my dreams of teaching. I would have never gotten the courage to try so many of the things I have since your passing. There are not many days that pass that I don't remember the good times we had together. When I found out your dad was selling the old house, I drove by just for old times sake and almost broke down looking at the driveway and basketball goal where so many epic, but always fun, basketball battles took place.

Temple...my life is where it is now mainly because of you.

I thank you and I miss you terribly.