By Mike Hall, November 13, 2016
We were in downtown Chicago to celebrate aunt Sara’s 100th. birthday.
On Sunday morning after the party, I decided to attend church services at the historic 4th. Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue.
Quite a number of congregations share a practice to attract new members. There is a guest pad at the end of each pew
and visitors are encouraged to put their contact information inside when the pad is passed to them. I have always
had fun with this process signing names of famous athletes, actors, or politicians.
On this occasion, a very nice couple had smiled and seated themselves next to me as the service was starting. Before the sermon, I opened the pad and wrote Cowboy Bob Fahrencroggin of Denver, Colorado. As the service concluded, the woman smiled again and opened the guest log. Her smile morphed into quiet laughter as she wondered if this character was for real.
Well, it’s 8 years later…Jean Anderson and this youngster have become terrific friends. We share a love of music and Jean has a number of cowboy’s special cd’s.
Sara passed away at 103 and Sally and I don’t get back to Chicago now. Jean and I e-mail frequently and talk on the phone monthly.
Her husband has been in failing health for the past few years and cowboy marvels at the faith of this remarkable woman. I guess the moral could be that you never know where and when a treasured friendship can start.
Thanks Jean…you are one special lady and what a treat it has been to get to know you and Richard.
I’ll be calling right after Thanksgiving.
What You’re Saying