Wednesday, April 22, 2015
As Andy was always one of my very best friends growing up, I've spent many happy hours at the Mettlen household. Mr. Mettlen was always kind & friendly to me & I appreciated his dry sense of humor. Some specific memories include:
-When I was around 7, I was batting left handed in the Mettlen's back yard & couldn't hit a thing. Mr. Mettlen suggested that I start batting right handed (which makes sense for a right hander) & things improved immediately.
-When spending Saturday nights at the Mettlens, everyone liked to stay up late eating popcorn & watching Shock Theater.
-In January of 1969, Mr. Mettlen offered to let us watch Super Bowl III with him on their new color TV. As typical third graders, Andy & I decided that we would rather go out & play--a decision that I've always questioned!
-Mr. Mettlen helped coach two Dixie Youth baseball teams that Andy & I played on, including a 1971 championship team (Belk's). Also, I'll never forget that Andy hit a grand slam in the championship game.
-After getting a new boat, Mr. Mettlen took us fishing at Clark Hill. He proved he could do an excellent imitation of an outboard motor!
-Mr. Mettlen was great at making comic faces that always cracked me up. He was also the first person I remember who used the word "nerd" on a regular basis.
So to Mrs. Mettlen, Andy, Sally & Tim: I hope that you will recall all the happy memories you have shared with Mr. Mettlen over the years. You will all be in my thoughts & prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Brett Jarriel
