Wayne "Teener" Rogers

You know the saying, "Some people come into your life for a season, others for life". The older I get, the more I see that wisdom. And I'm talking non-relatives here. There's nothing we can do about the squirrels we're related to. You can pick your friends, but not your relatives.... but, I'm getting off subject here. There seem to be some people in my life, a whole lot actually, that I don't know where they came from exactly. I don't remember meeting them, and I just don't remember not knowing them. And I treasure each one ~

This past week, we lost a very dear one. Ira Wayne Rogers, that for whatever reason, around my house was called "Teener". I guess growing up in a small town, everybody knows everybody. He was friends with my daddy long before I came along. They worked together at Rotary. We all played together at the coast, then later on the racetrack. I can remember being at his house when Brian (Bean) had only been on this Earth a few days. Our families cooked out and hung out, and Wayne and Faye were there for me through some of the hardest times I've ever faced.

When my parents divorced, I remember just being able to go out there and talk, or listen or nothing at all. When Tracy came into my life, and we started go-kart racing. There was Wayne lots of nights and every weekend. Some of the best times in my life ~

My wedding shower was at the Rogers house. Not long after we bought our first boat, there was Wayne at the river. He and Bean with the little blue streak. When my mother died, one of the first faces I remember seeing at the visitation/funeral was Wayne. Nothing to say, 'cause there wasn't anything to. Just there for me.

Most recently, Wayne and I had a "handy" relationship. As I came by coming in from Reidsville, he was usually pulling out of Rotary, and we'd wave. Sounds ridiculous. But, we shared. We knew each was okay, and on their way home.

We lose touch, as time passes, and we don't spend time with the ones we did. But, that doesn't mean they are any less a part of our hearts. I know this is one of the most difficult times Faye, Kellie and Brian will ever have to face, and I hope they know they are in my heart and prayers. Wayne was a very special person who will be missed a great deal by a lot of people. God bless him, and safe passage ~