I don’t have a picture of Peter, so this kid will have to pinch-hit. (But no picture could be better than the memory.)
I don’t know what it’s like to be ten years old in this day and age; but once upon a time, it could be rather wonderful. With experiences like this:
This kid Peter was twice my size and all the kids on our street looked up to him. And parents loved him! Best of all, I have no idea how he did it. He didn’t curry favor, didn’t try to impress anyone. There was just something about him that made you glad he was around.
I hope he has plenty of grandchildren.
There seem to be a handful of people like this, who were just good, solid, considerate people. There are several co-workers that meet this description, they just seem to be naturally considerate, and always make you feel better, for having been around. There was a young man like that in neighborhood of my childhood years
I imagine, in many cases, it comes down to a good upbringing, and likely an understanding that we all stand before our Maker.
I sometimes wonder where Peter wound up. I can only say he had an intangible gift for making people happy.
Unfortunately, it’s the nature of our world for us to lose track of people. Strangely, I recently reconnected with a guy I knew, all the way back to 7th grade.
I met a friend from 3rd grade an a Cincinnati Reds open tryout, 20 years later. I wonder if they still have those.