Dear Greg,
You have been and always will be my true closest friend that I could ever have hoped for. I am finally writing to you now, two years after you left us on April 11, 2006 (what I refer to as 4-11), because I miss our times… watching a game, home improvements, poker nights, BBQ’s, drinking, or just killing quiet time on the porch with a cigar.
At 44 years old, you had a few years on me, but were certainly too young to leave this world. I sometimes wish you never got on your bike that day, but you loved to ride. I know you are patrolling the streets of Heaven, while still looking down on us from time to time.
I never told you how the stories of your 24 years in the Marine Corps, from serving in Korea to the first Gulf War, made me feel. It was these stories and your dedication to service there, and back home when you retired (at 42 you lucky dog) that gave me true understanding of patriotism and renewed my sense of respect and love for my country. You were a true American hero, as are your younger brothers and nephew who are serving right now, whom you have also inspired. You have inspired so many by your service and kind deeds in the community, collecting toys for needy children and raising money for the poor. You met the greatest callings all your life, charity and service.
A few months after 4-11, towards the end of 2006, I heard your voice. My soul was lifted for a brief moment… then reality brought me back. Then I heard your voice again, coming from the television. I turned and saw your welcoming smile, your truthful and sincere eyes met mine, and I had another brief moment before coming back.
It wasn’t you, it was a man named Barack Obama. Greg, this guy could be your twin, a little on the skinny side. I am not just talking about looks, although he is a mutt like you, half black and half white, with a dozen or so nationalities mixed in. He’s even the same age. I am referring to the comforting tone of his voice and the selfless look in his eyes, and a whole entourage of qualities he exuberates that remind me of the best parts of your character. It was truly amazing.
Now the bad news… I found out he’s a liberal democrat! I hope I didn’t offend you, Greg. But the resemblance was so remarkable. I remember you and I would watch O’Reilly and listen to Rush all the time… such good memories. As long-standing, conservative republicans, we would take no ills from the likes of the left. So, I turned off the television. Sorry, Greg. Bye-bye Barack.
A whole year went by, and then I heard the voice again, right before the 2008 New Year. Your evil twin was on television again, this time running for president. I guess he had been running for a while; but you know how I am, Greg. I never liked politics too much. Whoever the republican candidate is gets our vote.
Well, this time I listened. And I listened to the whole thing. You’re going to tell me I wasted my time, but I Googled him and checked out his website… I even listened to this convention speech he made during the last election. Remember last election? You and I were going crazy for Bush. It’s always fun here in Pam Beach County. Man we had a great time! Remember our celebration party when he beat Gore? Great times!
So, this Obama guy had my interest a little. Don’t shoot me, Greg, but I was actually cheering for him when he beat out Hillary Clinton at the Iowa vote. It was because we hated the Clintons… remember? I was rooting for Huckabee, too… and he won. You would like Huckabee.
But Greg, I have to be honest. Not because of the voice, or the smile, and not because he reminds me of you… but I began to really listen and like this new guy. Trust me, MOST of his positions are out of touch with what I believe… his ideals are far too liberal. But, I can disagree without being disagreeable (he said that).
What is true are the goals we share, the prosperity we desire, the dreams we strive to achieve, the success we wish for our children, the health we bestow on our planet, the peace we crave with our world neighborhood, the health and well being every human deserves, the freedom to express and be heard, and the hope that ignites our souls.
These truths are paramount. I hope, in your now improved vision, that you can see what now I see and feel that this man can do. Just like you made me appreciate America and its values, he enriches these feelings and unites a hard-core republican like me with a greater universal need. United we stand and united we heal.
This is a world now where the United States doesn’t exist outside of our borders… to the world we are just America, which is sour on the tongues of so many. We need to become the United States again, and Obama is the one to do it. He has your wisdom, Greg, and your integrity. He has your character and your sincerity. He is devoted to his family, and devoted to this country. What is liberal about that?
Greg, my wife and kids all miss you too. Your wife comes over for drinks sometimes, and your daughter is doing well at Florida State… love them ‘Noles. We talk about this often, and I think I have almost convinced your wife. Please tell her in her dreams, that we need this guy. I know it hurts to cross that aisle; but think about what I said and what I feel. You have always listened before.
I know you can see me, Greg. And I know you can hear me. You are probably shaking your head at the “Republicans for Obama” sticker on my truck, or the flag flying from the window. But what I truly hope you are doing is smiling and saying to me, “Yes we can.”
Love you and miss you bro, Semper Fi
