Bill posted this picture today. I thought I had seen most of the pictures our circle of friends had of him. What a great surprise this picture was. I remember sitting in a room with my brothers, but I don't remember where the room was. We all had our arms around each other, standing in a circle with a boom box in the middle. The box is playing American Pie. And we are all crying. All of us, and some of the guys who were closest to him could barely stand. It was such a profound experience that even at Michael's wedding, I cried when we joined a circle again. It was just too much - I know some people didn't understand why.
John and Michael and I drove to Arkadelphia, AR where Jarratt is buried. We drove all night and got some red carnations and some Molson and "drank a beer" with him. I remember that vividly.
Meg did a picture for John's 40th birthday - a bunch of the guys, including Jarratt and Zerbe piled on a girl - hard to see her face. John looked shocked when I asked him who the girl was - he told me it was me. I don't remember it.
I wonder sometimes about missed opportunities. There was a night in particular that I wonder about - if I had reacted differently what would have happened.
Time passes - and I can smile as I listen to the song now. Thinking about Jarratt, I remember that he Loved John Hiatt. Loved playing Air Guitar. Drank beer from a pitcher. Laughed a lot. I remember his white party hat. I remember his hugs.
I don't remember what kind of pizza he liked or what his favorite beer was. I don't remember what his favorite song was. I don't know what he wanted his career to be, or what his dreams were.
It's been years since Jarratt died. And I still think of him. And wonder what we all missed. Often.
1 comment:
Jarratt loved Peperoni, Sausage, and Extra-Cheese Pizzas. I think his favorite beer was whatever beer was available to drink. I am not sure he had a favorite beer, but if it was in a pitcher, he was more than happy. I know that musically, he was a huge fan of the Who.
I think one of the more poignant occasions, besides Mike's Wedding and my wedding where we sang American Pie in tribute to Jarratt was at the Theta and Sigma 10 and 5 year anniversary party in Madison Manor (I think that is where it was) in 1994. In fact, that is where one of the pictures in my 40th birthday gift from Meg came from with Mike, Greg Armstrong, and myself. I believe it was there where we were all in tears remembering Jarratt and singing American Pie.
I still think of Jarratt as well and really miss him. I think of him especially when we all get together and wonder what a better world it would be if he were still a part of it.
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