Thursday, July 25, 2024
As Margo's close cousin, I came to know Tom pretty well. What stands out now most strongly is his great sense of humor. Every time we'd meet he had another story to tell, which he narrated with great zest, followed by his own burst of jolly laughter.
One that I've retold many times, including to my classes while teaching, is about two fellows, Rastace and Eustace. They were good friends who grew up together and graduated from high school. On that occasion, Rastace says to Eustace, "What you gonna do now, Eustace?"
Eustace replies, "Ya know, I really like this education thing. I'm gonna get more of it."
They go their ways and meet several years later. "Hey, Eustace, what you been doin'?"
"I got more education, Rastace."
"Yeah, what'd you get?
"I got a BS," Eustace replied.
"What's that mean?"
"Well, some say it means 'Bull Shit'"
Rastace continued, "And what you gonna do now?"
"You know, I really like this education thing and I'm gonna get more of it."
A few years later they meet again.
Rastace says: "Hey, Eustace, how you been? Did you get more of that education?"
"Yeah, Eustace, I got me a MS."
"What's that mean?"
"More of the same."
"And what you gonna do now?"
"I really like this education, so I'm gonna get more of it."
Another few years pass and they meet.
Rastace asks: "Hey, Eustace, good to see you. Did you get more of that education?"
"Sure did."
"What'd you get this time?"
"I got me a PHD."
"A PHD? What's that mean?"
"Piled high and deep!"
I can still hear Tom laughing as I retell it now. I wonder if he might be sharing other stories with those he's joined. How I'd love to listen in!
