Boston!

Steve,

I’ve heard from numerous people that college creates friends for life. Speaking from
my own experience, I can say this is absolutely true. I mean, I don’t keep in touch with
people nearly as often as I’d like to, but many of the people that I view as good friends
were from CBC. You obviously fit in that category. Showing up at a school in Podunk,
Missouri with no clue who anyone is was an interesting experience for me. I had no
idea that I would quickly meet a number of friends who would remain my friends for a
lifetime. Of course, I also had no idea that I would be playing on a soccer team for an
NCCAA Div. II college either. I think that’s something we had in common. I’m not sure
that there were two less qualified people to be on that team. But you can take satisfaction
in knowing that I was less deserving than you. In fact, we learned soccer together. For
example, it was together that we learned proper etiquette for a flooded field. We learned
together that staying in the push-up position for long periods of time is not as easy as it
might seem. We learned together where not to swing your arm in a match…no, wait, that
one was just me. Anyway, you get the point. I also remember that I loved hanging out in
your room, listening to James’ take on history and crazy, wildly amusing stories. I loved
the numerous stupid fun things we would do to stay entertained. I was a much different
person back then. I loved going to Phazusa with you. You may not remember this (ahem)
but I was a bit of a short-tempered, unreasonable, immature young man back then. I was
also arrogant and annoying. Yet, you still hung with me through it all. Truth be told…you
may never know just how much you’ve meant to my life. If it weren’t for you and a few
of the other guys, I’m not sure where I’d be or what I’d be doing. You were one of the
few people that helped form me into the man I am today. You encouraged me to grow
in my walk with the Lord. For that, I will be forever grateful. I hope your birthday is the
best ever man. You really do deserve it. Love you bro. God bless you and your beautiful
family.

Mike “Boston” Brown