Friendship at Northgate

      Growing up as a teeenager would be unbearable without a close friend. We all need someone who cares

for the things we care about. We need to talk to the friend about choices he has made, chances he has taken

and share concerns and experiences. No one needs that more than a teenager. Growing up I had a lot of

friends like that but one special friend at the Bird Park stands out to me.  I went to Danny's house many

Saturday morning and had waffles and syrup with him and his family.
     
       Danny Goodwin and I shared bicycling, creek fishing, and sports experiences, but the one experience

that proved him to be my best friend happened at one of our afternoon football games at Barfield Youth

Center. About twelve of us junior high teens would meet each weekday to show our competitive natures. 

We threw long passes, ran hard, hit each other harder, and yelled at each other for errors.Crawford Jobe

and Ricky Maisto generally got into fist fights every week or two due to their competitiveness.

      This week, however, was my turn.  For some reason I don't remember Ricky and I got into a shoving

match.  Tempers flared but everyone calmed us down so we could continue playing. As the sun came down

and signaled the end of the game, Ricky got upset with me yet again and challenged me. I had already

forgotten whatever the original argument was about and did not want to fight. I may have been afraid or

simply was not motivated to respond. At any rate, Ricky continued shouting insults and most of the other

guys now egged me on. I still did not want to fight, but my options were being quickly eliminated.

      Then, out of nowhere, Danny stepped in beside me and began speaking loudly but slowly, "Mike is not

afraid of any of you guys; he simply chooses not to fight his best friend and hurt one another." I then looked

at Danny as the group just disbursed and started home, including Ricky.

      From that day, Danny became my best friend. He did not like the accusations thrown at me, but he did

not see the point in a fight;so, he stood up for me.That is the kind of friend we all need and the kind that the

Bird Park espoused. Everyone knew about each other and forgave any bad traits. I could never have made it

through school without my Bird Park influences.