Bonds of Brotherhood

Tweet

In life, we all have experiences that attract us to and bond us to others who share in that one special moment in our life, whether it be childhood best friends, classmates at school, co-workers, or neighbors. Such is the case with me with friends I met in college at the University of Florida. I started at UF in 1987, and met some incredible guys that have become lifelong friends. We have known each other, and shared in each others lives for 38 years. We've laughed together, cried together, got in trouble together, encouraged each other, and shared in the overall ups and downs of life. In 1992, facing graduation before us, 12 of us got together and decided that we would continue honoring traditions we had learned and/or started during our time at the University of Florida. One of those was tailgating and attending Gator home football games. Every year since 1992, the 12 core group of us have met as much as possible to share in the bonds of brotherhood. Not all 12 can always make it to every football game, but we generally have a good representation, and all 12 will make it to at least one football game annually. Additionally, other classmates and friends will also drop in from time to time. The attached photo shows eight of us at a recent Gator football game, just as we were setting up our tailgate spot near the football stadium. Do you have a core group of lifelong friends that just can't be separated or broken up by time and distance? If so, how did you all meet, and what drew you together?