Seventh grade Life Science was perhaps the greatest class Ive ever had. Not only because Mr. Holbrook was a little goofy, but because we had the greatest friendships ever. We had lots of laughs, learned the true details of reproducing (turns out it was more complex than we thought as puberty-stricken boys), and how to cut open frogs. But before we could dissect worms, perform surgery on dead bullfrogs, or learn how kissing led to babies, we had to have our first project: we had to grow a plant. We had to experience simple life, and how it grew. As we began our project, our assignment was to cut open three-liter bottles, fill with soil, plant a seed, tape them back up, and wait. We each strategically placed our experiments in different locations of the room. Some went to the tops of cabinets, some under lights, and some went with the classic windowsill. Each day, wed come to class and check on our plants. For a while, they looked just like they did the first day. Wed water them, throw creative things in the bottles, and even talk to them (hey, it was on Oprah). We each were determined to make our plants grow. On about the third day, only one plant showed itself. Of course, it belonged to Kenneth Bobo. Kenneth was my buddy for many reasons. We were both nerds, neither had any style, we were horrible athletes, and the biggest thing on each of our scrawny bodies was our glasses. I liked me some Bobo. As the days went by, our own flowers started to show up, but none of ours ever reached a third of the height of Kenneths plant. Wed move our bottles by his, try to cover his up, and do anything else we could think of--but his plant just kept getting bigger and bigger! Im not sure who asked, but finally some kid asked the secret. I put me some chicken fertilizer in there. This aint my first time at something like this. We all learned soon enough what chicken fertilizer was... And it wasnt something I wanted to handle--chicken poop! Over the years Kenneth and I grew our friendship. We were friends through high school, and our relationship carried over as both of us went into law-enforcement as young men. As time went on, we didnt see each other a lot, and didnt get to talk as often as wed like. Every couple of months wed bump into each other and somehow hed always find a way to bring up my one most embarrassing moment: Hey TJ--remember that time in junior high you peed in your pants? Then wed always laugh (him more than me) and then wed start talking about our families. I regret that I hadnt seen Kenneth in a few months. Today I sat in a crowded chapel with many others as a preacher read his obituary. A few tears rolled down my cheek as I knew Id never see him again on this Earth, and I saw the pain his family was enduring. Then I laughed as I thought about seeing my classmate again in Heaven. I wont be surprised if the first thing I hear as I walk through the Pearly Gates is, Hey TJ--you cant be peeing your pants up here! Kenneth, thanks for unintentionally teaching me that sometimes the things that get covered with crap can grow to be the mightiest. Rest in peace, brother. I Love you, and Ill see you again. (And I hope just once you pee your pants in Heaven, because Im gonna tease you for at least ten thousand years.....)
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 03:15:11 +0000
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