My Friend Bill

Bill Pyle is a kind and pleasant man.  He and his wife, Pacheca, moved into a first-floor apartment in our retirement community.  The first day he came into the dining room and went from table to table, introducing himself to everyone.  Within two days he knew every resident, not just names but where they came from, what kind of work they had done, and how many children and grandchildren they had. 

After living here for over a year, he still comes into the dining room every day with a smile on his face.  He consoles those who are feeling the aches of aging and cheers up all of us, even those whose children have forgotten them.  Bill is one who makes this place of retirement a substitute family with a happy home. 

Bill served 20 years in the U.S. armed services.  He traveled all over the world purchasing equipment for the Air Force.  He held the rank of major.  Despite his genial nature, Bill is very firm in his beliefs.  As a good soldier, he never questions orders.  Nothing wishy-washy about our Bill.

At lunch Bill and I talked about the deficit. 

He said, “It is due to Obama’s rash spending.”

I said, “No, it is due to enormous cost of Bush’s wars and the lack of revenue to pay for them.  The fault is with the Republicans and the Bush tax cuts.”

Bill said, “That is your opinion.”

“No!” I said, “That is fact.”

Bill insisted that we had differing opinions as to what the facts are.  He gets his “facts” from Fox News and the Internet.  I am a trained journalist, read publications like TIME and the New Yorker, and know how to listen to “talking heads” and distinguish factual reports from propaganda. 

I can not change Bill.  As a retired Air Force Officer, his mind is locked tight, and he will not surrender the key to anyone.  He and I agreed that in spite of our differing points of view we would remain friends and not fight about it. 

Not fight, but he knows I will keep on talking.  As I said, in spite of being a Republican, Bill Pyle is a kind man.