It's becoming too common, but today (again) I found out an old friend passed away... last month. Tim was a close friend during the years right after high school. He was a grade ahead of me. We had played intramural football in high school. Our team was, "The Beer Barons." The school called us "The Barons." Later, when Tim found out I wrote poetry and wrote and played music, he said we should start a band. So we did. I saw in Tim, a remarkable intelligence. Most people saw him as an exceptional brawler. He graduated from Hamline University with a law degree and started practicing in support of civil rights. He once told me that he was still a fighter, but now he used the law and he found it more satisfying than using his fists. More than 2 decades ago, he had a devastating stroke. When I saw him at the hospital, I thought he wouldn't survive. But he did. He had permanent damage, but he regained his sense of humor and intellect. Over time, we grew apart. I last messaged him a happy birthday on August 16th. He replied, "thanks." His obituary said he died August 28th. I found out today, from a friend who heard about it from another friend. Goodbye Tim Hickman. I'm glad we were friends.
The thoughts of a writer.
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