It was the summer of 1988 and one of my friend’s older sisters just bought a brand new Honda. She told him he could keep it for a week while she was out of town, but he could only drive it where needed. I think you know where this story is headed…
So, we took off from our summer jobs and spent every day that week driving around all of the surrounding small towns. We visited the local water park, bought beer across the county line and camped out in a cave. I’m pretty sure I never made it home any night that particular week.
This group of small town boys, whose entire world spanned about 5 square miles, added 2,500+ miles to her new car. We thought of it as “breaking it in,” but really we didn’t think much.
We were three young men, driving around talking about our dreams and aspirations, what we wanted to do in life and who we thought the hottest female celebs were at this time. Madonna made the list until we discovered the hair under the arms pics… she was booted from all current and future lists.
Mid week, we discovered a cave and decided to camp in it. After building a fire and setting up the campsite, a first occurred… I smelled the aroma of ultimate spinach (not the band). All I remember after that is laughing A LOT, telling off-color jokes, eating lots of snacks and waking up in our sleeping bags really needing showers!
I wish I had video of that week (well, most of it). I miss those guys dearly. One went on to become a successful business owner. Sadly, the other passed away a few years later in an accident and I am still processing his death nearly 40 years later.
I frequently reflect on those simpler times. The expression of “memento mori” – remember your mortality – has become a personal theme. With the passing of my father, death is often at the forefront of my thoughts. I strive to remember that life is a daily gift, and we should live for the day, as tomorrow is not promised.
Alex Putman 