Manly Man

As we have done this through the years, there are some projects and images that have stuck in my mind. One of those images is of a guy smiling, as if saying, have a nice day, while holding up a prophylactic on a stick. Wayne Dittbrenner, that incredibly unique character, whose motto seems to be, we weren’t born to follow, is my service recipient this year.  I call Wayne occasionally to catch up. I always enjoy our conversations. When I last spoke to him, I felt like I was talking to a true frontiersman, like he was speaking from a wanted dead or alive poster. He told me about going into rivers, chest high, with nets to catch salmon. He talked about life and death encounters with moose. Ask him to tell you the seriously funny story about a moose chasing him into a garage. Talk about livin on a prayer. He barely made it out of that one. Living in Alaska is no bed of roses.  I believe I am not the only one who thinks Wayne is Bear Grylls. Raise your hands if you agree. Can I get an amen?

So, I am thinking, what can I do that is rugged and individualistic. My first thought was something in the wilderness. But then I realized, I am not a wilderness guy. I don’t even really enjoy camping. I would rather run away from that. Recently I got called into deacons, yea!, campouts once a month. But that starts next year. So that will not work.

What else is awesome about Wayne? He could easily be the lead singer of a hairband. If not the lead singer, at least a roadie, with his fist in the air, screaming, “Let it Rock”. What do roadies do? They set up for the band and they take down.  So for my service project, I volunteered to take down for our annual nativity project. I mean, its my life, I can choose any service project I want, right? So, after rockin the Handel’s Messiah sing along, I joined the take down crew. I tackled the first project that came along with bounce and vigor, still cheerily humming Christmas tunes. I was tasked with de-lighting a 4 foot tree. But this tree seemed to say, don’t you dare lay your hands on me. I was soon muttering swear words under my breath. Whoever had lit this tree had to be a light Nazi. Sure enough, I found out later that there is a light Nazi. One particular lady literally spends 2-3 hours on these 4 foot trees wrapping and rewrapping the lights around branches. Bless her soul. But this was some bad medicine. I mean, lights are supposed to convey love. I wanted to tell this lady, you give love a bad name. But I decided, I must keep the faith and press forward with my service project because, Wayne, I’ll be there for you. And so I persevered. I mean, you want to make a memory, right? Over a couple hours, the whole nativity exhibit came down in a blaze of glory.

I really appreciate my friend and brother Wayne. I truly admire his take on life. He has a unique perspective on things. I really appreciate that. And I believe that he may appreciate this post more than most. There are 22 song titles from one of his favorite bands, Bon Jovi, sprinkled throughout the post. The first one to email me with the correct 22 song titles wins $25. Except for Darcy, who doesn’t believe I pay up on my bets. Just kidding Darcy, this time you have it in writing….but my money is on Dixie. Thanks for all you do Wayne, love you brother. I’d die for you. Ok, that one is a gimme.