Bishop's Return.

It had been eight months since I last saw a former coworker and friend. Four years ago we first met and at first discussion we'd be buddies for life. To quote alot of the spam friend requests you find here on myspace, Shelby is without a doubt 'a low key, chill kind of person up for a good time'.

Having spent two years in the Addison community before leaving for Arlington in 2005 there were many a coffee hangout session, discussions on life, love, and the future. Little did I know this little fireball would get heavy into education and politics. Lord the discussions we have! It's all good. Like a brightly lit spark, Shel maintains a constant of always being in the moment. Older people could learn a thing or two about staying true to your roots.

One year ago this week, I was at an absolute low in my life. Personally, professionally, physically, even spiritually. I was unhappy, unfulfilled, unmotivated, and getting more isolational as time passed. Three days in a row, at a late late hour, Shelby was compassionate enough to call and 'check in' on this old fool. She listened, didn't judge, made a suggestion or two and wished me well. ' Her final words until X-mas were 'This isn't you!'

Fast forward to December 14th 2006. Fresh from a Dallas Stars hockey game, I get a phone call from The Shelster. She's in Addison at a X-mas party. Care to meet up? I said sure! I have been called a people person. I would reply that Shel takes it to a higher level. We meet up where we both used to work. It was an hour long rap session. She had just completed an AA degree for which I was very proud.

In 2003 all she wanted was a chance at school. I knew once she started she would not stop. I am being proven right. This night ended quietly as it was back to Arlington for this old man. I wasn't doing much better personally, yet it was good to reconnect with a friend.

X-mas day 2006 I had a 'come to Jesus' with my health and the like, now seven months later am reaping the rewards of making a few life choices for the better. Still new territory but without a doubt a complete 180 from this point in 2006. I got a text message from Shelby earlier this day. She has been accepted to attend SMU university here locally. I am very excited for her. She is also in the process of moving.

It just so happened I had some business to attend to in Addison. After a few minutes of phone tag and seven months after the fact, we met again under a midnight full-moon-lit sky. She had friends visiting so I sat back, listened and observed. 15 minutes later the friends took off and we had a moment in the dead of a July night to do what we do best: Solve the worlds problems.

Shelby will probably remain a libertarian for life, while I will be stuck on Republican ideals (That does NOT include hate, racism, or fear mongering in case you wish to stereotype). After another 12 minutes of rapping, Shelby stated something that put a smile on my face. 'Ya know Mr. Will, There's a full moon putting a glow on you this moment, but I have to tell you there would STILL be a glow if the Moon weren't present. This is the happiest I have EVER seen you!'

Did I also state how Shelby was really smart? :) I thanked her for that. As I drove home it did occur to me that change is a good thing and an inevitability. It also made me wonder if the reason people fear death so much is due to never ever truly living. only existing? Just a thought.

Shelby and myself have had this discussion many a time. Life won't always be fair, but it behooves one to embrace the good and bad rather than run from it. Life will happen regardless, like it or not. Thanks Shelby! We'll do coffee later this week!

Another week, another wedding to attend, a baby shower for a mutual friend, and an impending phone call about another pregnancy for another friend of mine. I saw it in a dream. I hope twins don't run on his side of the family...

Have a great weekend!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will