02.11.06
Jogging in NYC
One of my favorite memories from when Lucas was up here the Summer of 2004 was us going jogging together. Lucas and I both liked to exercise to get stress out and just try to relax. So we kind of made a day out of it. We walked 20 blocks (which is a mile) to meet a couple of friends of mine at a place where you can sit and just order dessert. So we sat and ordered desert, Lucas ordered a big old slice of apple pie of course, and talked for a while. I remember he was ancy to get out of there because, as he told me after we left, all of the waiters (all the servers were male)were making eyes at him. I didn’t notice it all while we were there, but sure enough on our walk home from the park, I would notice men’s lingering glances towards him. He hated it! It was pretty funny. Which reminds me, can any of you recall his impression of a gay man? He did a really good one, it was hilarious.
Anyways, after the dessert place we walked about another 1/2 mile over to Central Park and by that time our desert had digested and we were ready to jog. So we jogged my normal route in the park, Lucas had never seen most of the park before and it is absolutely one of my favorite parts of the City so I made sure to point out all the things that I like about it – like the black stone jaguar that is hidden on a big rock that looks like it is going to pounce on you if you happen to notice it etc. He was genuinely impressed with the park. The nicest thing about running together was that the longer we went, the more peaceful we both felt and we would talk or just run in silence. After about 2 miles, we stopped for a breather and Lucas had to pee. We were nowhere close to a bathroom, so he goes off into a wooded part and finds a place to go. I remember how just so Lucas it was because he didn’t think twice about doing that, but I mean it’s not like we were running in Alabama, Central Park is incredibly populated. But I didn’t even think about suggesting he just hold it, because I mean this was my brother from Alabama and if anyone could get away with it, he could. Strangely, I was proud, many times I had wanted to do the same thing but had never actually done it. Anyways, nobody noticed him. Then we walked a bit and then ran another mile or so in the park and then walked home, which is another mile.
On the way home we stopped into St. Patrick’s Cathedral and did a “lap” around the inside, it is just beautiful in there and I remember how instantaneously Lucas put a serious face on and he walked around the whole place with his hands clasped in front of his chest, his alter boy days at St. Peter’s in Montgomery quite apparant. I made fun of him for it and he was just like, I don’t know, that is just how that place makes me feel. We got home and we both just felt good.
It is weird because I had run that route 50 times alone before that day, and now I can’t run it without thinking about Lucas and the time that we ran it together and how peaceful it was and, I guess how that kind of calm seemed to be pretty rare for Lucas the more I think about it and I am glad to have shared that precious day with him.
Jacob Kirkland said,
February 15, 2006 at 6:15 pm
Speaking about his alter boy days
Lucas and I would always repeat what the priest says during mass like right before he does communion. For some reason we got a kick out of knowing it perfectly since we went to church so much growing up. I dont have many friends that are Catholic so it was always fun when we did that. I wish I could see pictures of him as an alter boy. That would be funny..
I have not wrote on here lately, but look at the site everyday.
I miss you buddy and will always remember the great times we had together.
Love you Lucas
Will Dickson said,
April 4, 2006 at 1:25 am
Whenever I think about Lucas, I think about him pulling out the rule book for pool. He would always have some rule for whatever shot you would take. I also remember when frank long said that Lucas was wearing a “man purse” and Lucas thought that I said it, thank god coach rudd was near by. I was a few years younger than Lucas, but we all loved him, anyone who played football, soccer or even just went to STJ will always remember and love Lucas. God Bless.
Rachel said,
April 7, 2006 at 11:54 am
This reminded me of two funny Lucas images. One is of Lucas with his “man purse” doing his valley girl impersonation. He brought the satchel to Auburn & was so excited because other guys had them there too. Another one is of him sprinting accross the beach to get his heart beat up. We were relaxing then all of a sudden I look up & he is about 100 feet away running faster than I’ve seen anyone run before. He came right back, grabbed his beer, & said he did his exercise for the day. He was such a goober & I could not imagine a funnier more exciting person to spend my college years with. Tarlie he adored you & I am grateful he had a big sister like you he was close to growing up. You are a sweetheart & thank you for this website.