What time is it?

Tom Rogers passed away on April 23,2009. He was 74. Mr. Rogers was my scout master. A kinder man I have not met. Some time in the mid to late 1970's we went on a 1 week boy scout camping trip. I would go from activity to activity passing through our camp several times a day. Often Mr. Rogers was sitting down on a lawn chair as I'd walk by. Every time he walked by I would ask him what time it was. He would tell me and I would go on with my day.

I don't recall him giving me a hard time about it then, BUT FOR THE NEXT 30 YEARS, every time he saw me, He would say "Hey, Dave what time is it?" Until the late 1980's the Elk Grove library was located across from my boyhood home. Often I would be in the front yard shooting baskets or mowing the lawn and Mr. Rogers would shout from across the street, "Hey Dave, what time is it?" If he saw me at the Jewel or Denny's he would be sure to inquire. I have not spent much significant time in the Elk Grove area besides my parents house the past 12 years or so. But every few years my Mom or Dad would say "hey we ran into Tom Rogers at the Senior Center, or the Park District, or the Library and he wanted us to ask you what time it is. "

Now, those who know me well, know that there is nothing I like more than running a joke into the ground, until the mere mention of it becomes of funny. David Letterman has made a career of that. But I think Mr. Rogers was doing so much more than that. He was reminding me of his involvement in my life 30 years past and showing that he still wanted to be a part of it if only a memory. My prayers go out to his family, especially, his wife and children at this time. Just remember that if anyone wants to think poorly about Tom Rogers it will not be on my watch.

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