by Ronnie Sands…

One morning while pulling weeds at the base of Garrison Bight Bridge, I observed two joggers running in opposite directions. One remarked to the other, “Two ships passing.”

Immediately I was transported back to the South Bronx many years ago. . . .

My cousin Herman was at my housing project apartment for a sleep-over. Except neither he or I could sleep, for in a few days we were to leave for Paris Island, South Carolina, and Marine Corps boot camp. We fueled our insomnia by taking a walk outside. As we passed the basketball court, the urban salutation of “Yo! Ron” filled the early morning air.

”What up, Rod?” I replied.

Herman and Rod did not know each other but exchanged respectful nods. I informed Herman that it must be 3 AM and that we could set our clocks by Rod and the sounds of his basketball, and that Rod would still be there when the sun rose.

Years passed with my Marine Corps days behind me. I returned to my birthplace here in Key West. Now and then I would call my mother back in the Bronx, and she would update me on events.

The Marine Corps had sent Herman to Officers Candidate School in Moscow, Idaho, and that young man Rod, well, he was excelling at DePaul University. I then thought of my own stumbling trek through life and how I was unable to resist the temptation and consequences of stupidity. I jolted myself from this self-induced remorseful reflective by thinking of two mighty battleships that passed in the early morn.

Herman and Rod. I am so very proud of YOU. Herman, H. Giles, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Marine Corps
and, I’m equally proud of you also. Rod Strickland, point guard, Miami Heat basketball team.