My Friend Scott

[Elliott]

Scott was my best friend in high school. We were flying buddies and had wonderful adventures together; he was fearless, and a natural born pilot. I’m not sure he ever read a book, but he could take apart anything mechanical, fix it, and make it better than it was before. Tall, dark and handsome, all the ladies loved him, and he loved the ladies. I stood up for him at his wedding. The son of an airline pilot, Scott started flying with his dad as a child. My father flew B-17’s during WWII, and taught me to fly when I was a teenager. Together, Scott and I flew all over Texas and Southern California as teenagers, went to Disneyland, double dated and hung out together almost everyday. Because he simply wouldn’t do it, I wrote his Senior English paper the night before it was due. It was required to graduate from high school back then. I worked on my paper all semester and made a “B”, and Scott got an “A” on his paper that I wrote in about two hours. My guess is that the teacher was grateful that he turned in a paper and wouldn’t have him in her class during Summer school. Scott trained as a commercial pilot, and was the youngest pilot ever hired by Continental Airlines. Our lives took us in different directions, and one day, although we didn’t know it at the time, was the last time we ever saw each other. Even though we lost touch with each other, there have not been many days in my life that I haven’t thought of him fondly, and remember how much fun it was to be his friend.

I found out today that Scott was killed in a weather related accident while attempting to land his plane near San Antonio, Texas. He was flying solo. He was a fine man, a loving husband and the father of three young daughters. He was only forty six years old.

[lucille]

So sorry Elliott that you lost your 'long-lost' friend. I'm sure he knew how much you thought about and of him, and he probably did you. No doubt you will be in touch with his wife and kids. Maybe you will all re-connect - who knows?

[gisli]

My condolonces to you Elliott, this is very sad, take care.

[Roady]

I'm sorry to hear you lost your friend Scott. It was heartwarming to read about your adventures as young men. May these fond memories help you through the days ahead. My thoughts go out to his wife and young daughters.

Roady

[Beth]

Thanks for sharing about Scott, Elliott. Your story makes me think about people in my own life with whom I have been connected and have lost some contact. I shouldn't take for granted that they will always be there for me to catch up with at some point in the future. Seize the day. "Life won't wait..."

Thank you very much for your post.

[Dee]

My condolences on the sad news about your friend, Elliott.

[Denise]

What a sad thing but what wonderful memories you have of your dear friend. I loved reading about what an important part of your life he was. Thank you for sharing that with all of us.. my sympathies to you and his family.

[Marcia Drummergal]

Elliott, I am so sorry for your loss! Scott sounds like he was a really neat person. Everone should have such a friendship. As Lucille said, maybe you will connect with his family. It might help a bit with closure.

Hugs to you.

Marcia :(

[aabram]

Sorry to hear of your loss, Elliott.... There are no words to say how tragic a loss like this can be... You and Scott's family are in my prayers.

Annabel

[Oak Kitten]

My deepest sympathies, Elliot. I hope you can find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of your friendship.

Oak

[Ginny]

Elliott, my condolences to you on the loss of your friend Scott.

Please take care.

[leslie]

Elliott - Scott obviously gave you many gifts that you cherish. May they lessen the pain of his loss.

In heartfelt sympathy,

Leslie

[DaveM]

Thoughts are with you, Elliot. So sorry to hear this.

[Elliott]

Thank you so much for all the kind words. I had no idea how deeply the news of Scott's death would hit me. At first I was just shocked. I was also at work, and in my business I make people feel good; I don't expect them to comfort me and always have on my happy face. When I got home and saw the messages from you fine people it opened the flood gates in my heart and I let it out for hours. Then I went to sleep for twelve hours... I haven't been able to do that in years. You have no way of knowing how much I appreciate you all; you are such a gift and I am grateful knowing you are there. Love, E

[aabram]

Elliott, we will always be here for you, no matter where we are. Take care, my friend

Annabel

[Agnes]

Elliot, I'm so sorry for your loss...
May your fond memories of Scott help you walk this path of grief.

With love,
Agnes

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Elliot...

What everyone else said.... Our prayers and sympathy to you, Scott and his loved ones...

Best.

R.