Sharing a letter from a friend

Growing up on a short dead end road in Hampton, NH we knew all the neighbors well. The kids all played outdoors together, riding bikes, catching minnows, ice skating, fishing, playing baseball or wiffle ball or just hanging out.
i spent most days with my neighborhood bestie Chip, usually at his house. We often played matchbox cars in the living room in front of the fireplace, even though it was very difficult to roll the cars through the shag carpet.
Chip and I were usually enlisted to “help” Loren. I recall hauling can after can of paint and stain into the basement, assisting with the building of the office over the shed, taking care of the chickens or picking tomato bugs off the plants in the garden.
I learned so many skills from Loren, from making root beer, caring for baby chicks, wood working, how to “program” a computer, chess… the list goes on.
Loren’s lessons have stayed with me my whole life, as he was such a patient teacher that I admired greatly.