Pete, I miss you buddy

Pete, (listening to the Beatles) I'm here tonight after the visit from our Socialist President here in our hometown this evening, reviewing the comments from the new Treasury Secretary today and the passage of the "stimulus" bill today by the Senate.

So much has happened since you left. I miss having beers with you. I miss your wisdom. I still can't remember that shrimp recipe we made before Kathy and Laura Lee got home from bowling. I'm still here, right next door, remembering you every day. You must know I've talked to you many times, whether it be on the boat or in a chair in the back yard, you are not forgotten.

There is no doubt you are looking down from above and I've got to ask for some guidance. Things are not looking good for us. Give me a sign. Let us know that things will be okay. Life has changed so much since you left. I miss you Pete. Your picture resides in our dining room and I see you every day with that 30 pound gag you caught in February 1998, the day we fished in the fog all day nearly getting run over by the shrimp boat Casey Jones.

In these troubled times, each time I look out my back door and see your old house, I think of you. You would be blowing a gasket with whats happening here today. Just give me a sign that things will be okay. An unopened pack of Viceroys at the front door will freak me out, something a bit more subtle perhaps. I miss you man. I think about you each and every day.