Life lessons in friendship

Letter from the editor

It's not every day that a story walks into your office, but that's what Phil Reed and Gus Gutman did.

I was gone photographing cherries the first time they came, but those who were here in the office clearly were inspired by their visit.

These U.S. Navy buddies had been reunited after not seeing each other for more than 50 years, and it was obvious they had picked up right where they left off.

Their joy at their reunion was so overflowing that they felt the need to share it with everyone. Thus, they came for a visit to the Bigfork Eagle.

They agreed to come back the next week, when we spent an hour together. They reminisced, corrected each other's stories, laughed about penguins and Sydney, Australia, and showed off their prized harmonicas.

Their story is a reminder of the power of a friendship that overcomes differences and the passage of time.We're glad that they chose to share that with us.

—Jasmine Linabary