I promised a story

 I promised a story about the Haleys so here I go…..

Back in the late 70s middle school was upon us and my pond got a little bigger. I can’t remember not ever being in band and anyone that has ever participated knows, you make some of the best lifetime friends there. I, too, am one of those people. Friends came easy to me as I don’t meet strangers. Even in 1976 this was true. I guess some things never change.

Entering into 7th grade band, we were placed together with the 8th grade and combined all the talent. This proved to be my lesson in boy FRIENDS. It is no secret that I’ve always hung with the boys. Must have had something to do with Brian Millican and the Barker boys. I was (guess i still am) a tomboy. I would rather climb trees, ride bikes and play outside. I made two of the best guy friends a girl could ever ask for, that summer, in Bruce Davis and Jeff Haley. I always said they were my brothers all through high school. 

That particular summer in 1976, mom had gone to nursing school and I was home alone. (Sorry mom, true confession) I would say if not every day, at least 3 times a week, Bruce and Jeff would come over. Jeff would be riding his bright yellow skinny skateboard. Tried as they may, I never could ride that thing. They must have spent that entire summer trying to teach me. This wasn’t the last summer those boys spent running the streets and stopping at my house. These summers created a bond that would make me as a mom happy for my daughter when she had friends like these. These guys had my back from then on. It didn’t matter who came or went all I had to do was say the word and these guys were there. I never once had to worry.  If I found myself in a situation where I felt unsafe or scared, I knew if I could get to a phone or yell out they would be there in a hot minute ready to tackle the problem. (Or tackle the boy)

As high school came we saw Jeff quit the band but Bruce remained. We all started dating (never each other) and while the bond was still there other girls came into the picture. I gained even more big brothers with an even bigger band and so many friends, looking back it makes my heart happy. Jeff even dated a few of my friends that I had had since elementary school. Band held my future high school sweetheart and the show group broadened my friendship base. When I wasn’t dating someone steady I always had someone to hang out with. Graduation saw many tears as I knew life was changing quickly. 

That summer found me with my guy friends hanging out at Fantasy 2000 or Yesterday’s. There was always a party waiting to happen wherever I happened to go. No date? No problem. Friends aren’t always dating others either. My bio brother’s band was playing at Yesterday’s and I wanted to go. Back then we (girls) didn’t go alone anywhere so I called up Jeff. 

We piled into his little white Toyota Corolla and took off to Chattanooga. Anyone who ever went to Patten Parkway knows seating was limited and standing room only was crowded. I don’t remember if we had a table and were joined or if someone else had a table and we joined. Either way, we had a seat. Behold, there was a blonde with glasses sitting next to Jeff. Slowly as the night wore on I talked with him less and less as that blonde got more interesting by the moment. I don’t remember much about the ride home. I do remember we walked out together. He opened my car door, I got in, he stood and talked with that girl another few minutes.

I do, however, remember asking him about the “Lisa” girl and if he liked her. I was informed pretty quickly her name was “Alicia” and he had gotten her number. Thus began the story of the Haleys. This was to be my last outing with Jeff. Enamored by her, Jeff was off the market in all things “other” girls. Lol He found love.

Wedding time rolls around and if I am not mistaken all I remember is loads of pink. Alicia was a blonde and Jeff actually HAD hair! I didn’t have a date to the nuptials but my mom was more than happy to attend and somewhere along the lines the parents were all friends. 

When Sam (Jeff’s dad) died my daddy was still working at the funeral home. Jeff and I had talked a bit through facebook and I knew it wouldn’t be long when they were in the hospital. I told Daddy I would see him later and he had told Jeff I was coming. The minute I hit that door I was met halfway down the hall and got the biggest, longest hug ever. I looked over his shoulder and saw Alicia sitting there with a smile on her face. When I finally got to her, she hugged me good and tight and said “he needed that”. I was so thankful to have a wife that could understand our kind of friendship. 

The last time I saw Alicia they were having a yard sale at Jeff’s mom’s house. We all stood and talked in the sweltering heat promising to get together and catch up on the world. As per usual, life continued on with mine and Jeff’s mom needing full time care and both of us living miles apart. While we all three chatted via facebook we never made the get together happen.

Here we are almost 40 years after that initial meeting and my guy friend’s heart is broken. I told Alicia when they got engaged that if she ever hurt him she would have to answer to me. Well, she needs to answer! This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen. We were all supposed to grow old together. I can’t be mad at her for hurting him because it wasn’t of her doing. Cancer SUX. My brother is hurting and with that my heart aches alongside him. I feel helpless and just want to hug him better. I know there isn’t going to be better soon but I do know she knew Jesus. I know she is better. It is earth that has to suffer along without the sun for awhile.