Friend or Foe?

I’ve done more to get people mad at me in my life - than they have for me to be mad at them. All of us have had people that we could consider our archenemies – man, I want to do better than or beat that guy. One of my biggest faults is that I’m to competitive. Sports were one of my greatest joys and vices. People on my team always seemed to like me – but apparently it wasn't as fun to be my opponent. Some people we played against so many times that the competition often was carried over to the next encounter – and was always more intense with friends. There was one group of friends that were great players – a couple of brothers we had known forever. I had a couple of my brothers on our team as well. When we played each other – I remember that we won more than we lost, but they might remember it differently. I don’t know who wore blue and who had on gray – but it definatly was a civil war. Most of our teams knew each other quit well – this association wasn’t just on the hard court, but just about in all aspects of our lives. But I had never considered what the newcomers or newbie’s thought was going on, honestly I think I didn't care. That’s where Eric comes in. This battle, war, competition had gone on for years. When he got involved we were in our twenties and trying to hold on to our youth. The brothers on the their team were guards as were my brothers – but Eric and I were a little bigger and liked to bag it out under the basket. None of these games were lopsided affairs – we were the two best teams in the league and every position was critical to the outcome. After the game we were once again the best of friends - well at least I thought so. I’m sure it was that way with my old friends, but the newcomers apparently didn’t share the same opinion. I had no idea this guy hated my guts! I heard later that there was no one he liked to play against less than me. This wasn’t the same feeling that I had – he was nothing more than an extension of the rivalry with our greatest foes of the hard court. The trash talk, banter and aggressive play had continued from one encounter to another forever. He was just getting some of the ash or fallout from the frequent eruptions. Now, I’ll admit I kind of have a Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hyde personality when it comes to sports. I actually thought I was a nice guy most of the time. Years later I heard that we both moved away - I went just a few miles south and he went to Washington D.C. . While in D.C. he met and fell in love with Amy, a young girl from New Mexico. After they were married they made their home together back in Logan. Amy was a convert to the LDS church in New Mexico, which was one of their greatest common bonds. One day one of the missionaries that had taught her the gospel come to Logan and looked her up. It was a great reunion, one of reminiscing and reflection of those early days in the church. The missionary pointed out that the other missionary that had taught her was originally from Logan. This was of great interest to Eric – who was that? Paul Champlin! No, not the evil foe – the devil of the hard wood, his most hated opponent. Could it be true that this beast had introduced, taught and baptized the love of his life? Their faith was part of the glue that bonded them together. I remember a few years later when we moved back to Logan, at a church function he approached me and thanked me for being a faithful missionary. He then explained our connection. I see Eric and Amy quit often and now we have a friendship – connection - a common bond. Our encounters are pleasant and cordial; of course we haven’t played basketball against each other for years!