Monday, October 22, 2018
James, Joan's son was my best friend "running mate" while we both served on the USS Sample FF -1048, Destroyer Squadron 25, home ported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii in the late seventies, early eighties. Of all the friends in my nine years of service with the Navy and Navy Reserve, of all the friends I've made throughout my life, he is above all the rest and continues to be, one of my closest friends. We just spent some time this summer bumming around New Haven, Mystic & the beaches of Rhode Island. Next time he's here, he's got a date with an Avenger - his Dad's plane. Jim, as I call him, has his own planes he flew, but both of our Dad's were airmen and I wouldn't be the friend I am if I didn't get him in one of these - because I can. The rest of the Costin family is invited to join us for that. They, the Costins in my interactions with them, have ALWAYS made me feel part of their family. Throughout the years I have met various members of the family, talked with more on the phone on occasion or by chance, and really because Jim and I have talked a lot about home and family, I have got to know them all in some way or another through many stories told by him, almost all with a special tone in his voice and glitter in his eyes. When I see this picture of his mother Joan, I see Jim's resemblance to her ( take a good look at James and tell me that I'm wrong) and after the phone conversation I had with him night of her passing, I am humbled and touched to what makes us all who we are, what's within us to serve this great country and enjoy our lives in it and most profoundly for me, the friends we make along the way. God bless the Costins. To Joan, who watches down on you all from heaven. Cheers, you are in a better place with loved ones passed, where we will join you, yours and ours in our own time. My sincerest condolences to all.