Continuing a Lifetime Friendship via a Basketball Game - Time Out #500

Today marks installment Number 500 of this labor of love weekly writing, "Time Out". I began this passion in mid-August, 2015.  With the continued dedicated help of Stillwater NewsPress Editor, Beau Simmons, his great staff, I hope to author an additional 500 installments over the next 10 years. 

     Wow! 

     Simply stated, friendships are the absolute BEST. Our Town's Steve Gray, has been one of my "besties" for over 70 years.  We both were first graders at Westwood Elementary during the 1953-54 school year. Following our university undergraduate educational years at Oklahoma State  University, we both moved away from Our Town, living various places across Our Country. However, we both returned to our roots here years ago.

     We both love sports, and have throughout our lives. With that common thread, several months ago, Steve invited me to attend an Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball home game with him and 2 of his grandsons inside the beautiful Paycom Center. Steve had been given the 4 excellent seats by his Oklahoma City pediatric dentist son, Dr. Stephen Gray. Again, thank you, Dr. Stephen, for your generous gift.  

     Folks, it wasn't just any Thunder game, either. We saw the only game this season the 18-time NBA champs made their visit to our Sooner State;  that team being MY lifetime heroes, the Boston Celtics!

     To say I was excited, would have been a vast understatement, sports fans. I was over-the-top thrilled. I have seen my Celtics in person several times over the 7 decades I have been a fan of the "Green Leprechaun" mascot team. Truthfully, folks, I have cheered for this NBA franchise Boston Bunch since I was watching Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Sam and K.C. Jones, etc. on our family black and white television set in Our Town front room in the mid-1950's and beyond. When I frequently watch them on television today, it is on our color television, with our remote control, and via a streaming Hulu signal. Yes, those things have certainly changed, but my love of the Celtics has not changed at all!      

     Well, the early January game this season was won, 105-92, by the home Thunder, but Boston was ahead much of the contest. It was really an exciting Sunday afternoon game, that brought a sellout crowd and a large number of Celtic fans, inside the Thunder's home. Outside was a frigid,  strong wind, winter day in  America's Heartland, while the basketball action inside the large arena was fast and furious. The day was capped off with a delicious post-game meal at a nice Brazilian steakhouse in far northwest Oklahoma City.

      Was the Celtic/Thunder game the highlight event that memorable day? I would have to answer "No" to that question. Even though it was a wonderful game experience, the highlight of that particular Sunday for me was spending that special day with my close friend, Steve Gray.