It Runs In The Family...

Gordon's dad died several years before we started dating.  I've missed out on seeing how some of those family traits are transferred from one generation to the next.  Of course, I've seen photos and heard stories, but it's not the same as seeing it in person. 

This week, we've been in Portland, Gordon's home town and the place where all of his family history is.  One of the things I love most about visiting is hearing all of the old stories and meeting people who are connected to Gordon's history, far back before I knew him.  Yesterday, we visited a couple of Gordon's dad's oldest friends, Timmy and Clark.  These guys have a long, long history in the family, and were best friends with Gordon's dad since they were in high school.  They figure prominently in most of Gordon's childhood memories.

We met them at four o'clock on a Friday afternoon at one of the oldest hangout spots in St. Johns, a place called The Ranger.  It's a dark tavern full of old-timers and pool tables.  It was almost like walking into the bar on Cheers...it's a place where everyone knows everyone and has done so for the last 25 years.  We spent the afternoon drinking and laughing, I mostly listened to stories and laughed about how many people recognized Gordon, simply by virtue of who his father was. 

 Clark told me a hilarious story about how accident prone Gordon's father was.  He talked about how he had once shot his own thumb with a slingshot.  I laughed as I told Clark about how accident prone Gordon is.  In that respect, he certainly is his father's son.

As I watched Gordon and Timmy (who is about 65) play pool, I could not believe how much Timmy reminded me of Gordon's best friend, J.D.  They look the same, they talk the same, they laugh the same, they even have the same mischievous sense of humor.  Maybe our choices of friends are even hereditary!

Even in a bar 1500 miles from home, Gordon never met anyone he didn't know.  He treats everyone with the same big laugh and  warm personality.  Turns out, that's another trait that he shares with his dad.  Clark talked about how Gordon's dad was infamous for his huge personality and love of a good time.

In any case, it's been a special experience to see some of the old roots of Gordon's family tree. 

Timmy, Clark and Gordon, enjoying a few beers at The Ranger.