Skip to main content

It's been a long time since I've posted on the HSBBW ... my apologies but I do want to share something special with the members of the HSBBW. This morning I made a trip from Jackson, TN to St. Louis, MO to pick up a new Jeep I had just purchased. I was going to ride with a "driver" to make a "dealer swap". This way I could spend the day reading the instruction book on the high tech electronics and see and ride in my new Jeep as it rolled off the parking lot for the first time.

Most "drivers" that make the dealer swaps are older retired men looking for a few $'s and something to do. My driver was no exception. His name was Lloyd, 76 years old with a flowing white beard. He explained he also played Santa Clause in the winter months. I'm sure he was a perfect Santa as he came across as a very caring individual. He and I chatted about the weather, politics, baseball, photography and our families. He explained he had a grandson that was a pretty good ball player that had played a year of minor league baseball with the Cincinnati organization. I too explained I too had a son that used to play baseball. The conversation continued as the miles slipped by... This gentleman was a treat to talk to. I asked about his children and his grandchildren. He went into depth as he described each one and the place each one occupied in his heart. After he described each one he paused and cautiously added: ..... "I also had a son that was killed throwing batting practice"..... It hit me like a ton of bricks! Yes, I spent the day with Mr. Lloyd Taylor, the father of Jeff Taylor, (HSBBW'S own "JT" that lost his life doing what he loved most after his family and God ... baseball.)

A special day for me and for Mr. Taylor. His final words to me will linger in my mind for many years .... "Thank you for the memories of Jeff"..

Fungo
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Double wow, I still miss Jeff and miss trading e-mails and baseball conversation. I had to get a new cell phone recently and the biggest issue was I couldn't save a voice mail that I had saved on that phone from Jeff received about 2 weeks before he died. He was hilarious, first being politically correct about being hopeful our sons' teams would do well, then he added, "Aw, to heck with the teams, as long as Jeff and Parker do well, we'll be all right anyway!"

If you followed the story, Mr. Taylor threw out the first pitch for Lynchburg College on a day honoring Jeff, from the spot where his son was standing when struck, and said he'd never throw another baseball. I can't even type that without getting choked up.



Nice story...and is the baseball world small or what?
Well what can I, The Bride of JT, say to all that. thank you so much for keeping Jeff's memories alive. It's been almost 2 1/2 years and it still feels like yesterday. Trust me...Jeffrey and I miss him too. An update on Jeffrey is that he working on prequisites for getting into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lynchburg College. His fater would be so proud too. Jeffrey always looked at himself as a baseball player, but like his father he is a smart cookie too!. As for me I have taken up karate and have earned two belts so far. My current belt is Orange and I am working on the Green now. This keeps me focused!

Many Blessings to All, Mary Clare

Add Reply

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×