I'm overwhelmed. I just got a gift from an old friend.

[Aristus]

My old Army buddy, whom I have known for thirty years now, sent me a package in the mail. Just got it today. He lives in Hawaii, and sent me and Mrs. Aristus a fine array of island treats, including Kona coffee and macadamia nuts.

He included a card, stating that it was in recognition of being on the "front lines" of the pandemic. I shot off a thank you message at once, but didn't have the heart to tell him I've been sick for the last ten days, and self-isolating at home. If all goes well, I plan on returning to work on Monday, and hope to be able to do my part in all this.

I've mentioned him here before; he's Filipino, and faced a great deal of racism when we were both in the Army. His roommate at our first duty station was a pretty nasty Confederate flag-waving redneck. I stood up for him because it was the right thing to do, but never dreamed it would solidify a friendship that is now in its fourth decade.

I'm blessed with some wonderful friends.

Tankers for life...

[tblue37]

1. K&R. nt

[Skittles]

2. Aristus, do you think you have the virus?

[Aristus]

7. No. I tested negative.

Ten days is much longer for me than a typical respiratory illness; but I think it's the bronchitis Mrs. Aristus has had for the last month. (She's immunosuppressed due to diabetes.)

I'm finally feeling better. My colleague who tested me told me not to come back to work until my cough was gone. Monday it is...

[Skittles]

10. oh dear

I knew you had a flu shot.....I guess I forget these days there are plenty of other illnesses around

keep safe!

[Aristus]

11. Oh yeah. I get all of my regularly-scheduled immunizations.

I try to set the example for my patients (many of who still don't follow it...), but there's no vaccine for this.

[Skittles]

18. I went ahead and got shingles shots and first pneumonia shot

I always get a flu shot

just......anything to try to stay well.....yes indeed

[grantcart]

21. You could have added that diamond to your OP lol.

Had a little imaginary heart murmur until I read down thread

[Nictuku]

3. Island Goodies are da Kine!

[KY_EnviroGuy]

4. Thanks for that heart-warming story.

I suspect many of us are thirsting to rekindle old friendships not just with those few that were special, but also some we feel are likely suffering more pain than ourselves.

In isolation, I think of some old long-lost friend every day and wonder how they're doing.


KY............

[magicarpet]

5. How wonderful,.. you deserve the pat on the back and gratitude for sharing ...

... your knowledge and expertise to combat this Coronavirus and guide patients through that dark and scary tunnel.

[blm]

6. ((Ari))

[babylonsister]

8. Really nice. Good friends are hard to find,

the really good ones hang around and reach out.

And be kind to yourself, get better. You'll be no good to anyone otherwise.

[Phoenix61]

9. Macadamia nuts are the best! How nice for

ya’ll to get a surprise present. They’re my favorite kind.

[Aristus]

12. I'd love to share with my Lounge peeps, but that's a kind of file-sharing the internet

still hasn't figured out...

[Karadeniz]

13. I'm sorry your Filipino friend was bullied while in the army. Makes me mad. My dad was stationed

In Hawaii...we lived in schofield brks...and we were the only nonFilipinos at our wahiawa church. Beautiful people! Also, my father was in charge of all army transportation for the state, and he opened up several quality jobs to the locals that had previously been filled by(white?) people from the mainland. I hope your friend knows there are more decent people in the military than not...well, he had you!

[Aristus]

14. I lived one floor down from him in the barracks.

Often, when everyone else was out, I would go up to the room he shared with redneck-boy and paste anti-Confederate notes all over his slavery flag. Reportedly, it drove him to fury. My friend knew it was me doing it, but never told me he knew until long after we both left the service.

[Grey]

15. I am so glad you are feeling better...

I'm a long time lerker and almost never post but I always read everything you post.
Thank you for the work you do and hugs to your wife.

[Aristus]

16. That's very kind. Thank you.

[niyad]

17. KNR

[proud patriot]

19. Cassandra Farms

Big Island of Hawaii .. just loves this

[The Polack MSgt]

20. One of the bet parts of serving is just what you've described

Finding stand up people and executing real tangible missions with them.

Learning about folks strange to you. Becoming colleagues (and sometimes friends) with people you'd have never encountered around the old home town. All these things are benefits of earnest service in the U S military

I hope you are well. I respect your service and wish you well.