H - High School (Jeff)

I have written many times about how I was a nerd in school. I wasn't a complete social outcast, but I was far from being one of the "in" crowd people. However, I didn't finish school that way. By the time I graduated high school, I had completely come out of my shell, got invited to the parties and was reasonably well-liked. And I know exactly how it happened.

When I started my sophomore year, there were a few new students. There usually are. One was a guy named Jeff Caudle. Jeff was one of the sports guys. He gained popularity pretty quickly and the girls seemed to like him. Just another one of those people who is not part of my circle.

Now, I honestly don't remember how we became friends but Jeff remembers our first meeting. He claims that I approached him in the library one day and in a high nasally voice, sheepishly said, "Is your name Patrick?"

I don't believe I ever had a high nasally voice, but that's the way Jeff loves to tell the story.

Jeff only lived in Waltonville for two years, but over the course of those two years, we became tight friends. We stayed over at each other's houses, ran around together, got into trouble together and double dated.

Junior Prom - May 1988
Me (left), Jeff (right)

In fact, Jeff is the reason I went on my first date ever. He talked me into asking out a girl because it might be fun to double. Then, he pulled out to do something else.

Hanging out with one of the more popular students put me in situations I would never have found myself in. I made appearances at parties. I went to the basketball games. Being seen with Jeff gave me a little more confidence to put myself out there. And I learned that people might actually like me if I allowed them to. I stopped hiding quietly in the corner and it paid off.

Jeff moved away the summer before senior year, but I was over most of my social oddities by then. My senior year was great.

Jeff may have moved away, but we still stayed in touch. He was only two hours north, so occasionally one of us would drive to spend the weekend with the other. Over the next couple of years, I dated two of his cousins. He eventually stood as the best man for my wedding. Twice. I stood in his wedding also but his brother got the best man spot.

I lived with him and his parents for a while and he lived with me and mine. We were pretty well-entwined into each other's lives and each other's extended family. When his mother had her wisdom teeth taken out, it was me who drove her home. And when his aunt was released from the hospital after having a C-section, I picked them up from the hospital. Jeff's dad hired me to work for him one summer installing security plates on rest area vending machines around the State.

Eventually, Jeff and I were roommates in a nasty little redneck, rat-trap trailer but we had a lot of fun and threw some great parties. We also had some of our biggest fights during that time. Being friends with someone does not necessarily mean that being roommates will be a good idea. We each had some legitimate complaints about the other.

Life moved on and we saw each other a few years into each of us getting married and eventually living in different states. We still talk occasionally, but life is different now. This was one of those friendships that I tried to hold onto longer, but it is difficult to force it.

Regardless of this, I am thankful for those years we did hang out and intrude so much into each other's lives. I know those couple of years in high school definitely turned my life for the better.

Jeff, if you ever read this. I miss you, buddy.

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This month, I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. Each day this month, people around the world are writing blog posts and working their way through the alphabet. Each person decides their own personal theme. I am writing about people who have affected my life.