The Lost Dudes: Volume II--Ode to Flanagan

Flanagan is the guy Flexin'

Dudes come in many shapes and sizes (see Cray and Buckster), but few have the power to mold a generation of men--to lead them into adulthood without fear of death or any other sort of consequences for their actions.

Even fewer dudes are able to throw unbelievable New Year's Eve/Birthday Parties annually and still convince their parents that going out of town is a great idea the year after.

Still fewer can make Blaine Oswalt sing BBMak at the top of his lungs, and think he's cool while he's doing it.

and no other dude can buy (with the Hollister's employee discount, no less)and wear a shirt that reads "single and ready to mingle" out to the bar and not go home alone.

I could go on and on. You see, before there was "the Don" (not Bodon, the Don!) as Thew is affectionately known today, the dudes had another leader. And while comparing Flanagan to George Washington or MLK might seem a bit of a reach, Matt was the leader of what today has become much more that a full-fledge assault on all single ladies in the greater Jackson metro area--but a brotherhood that has provided friendships and memories that I never deserved.

In a comment below, Flanagan speaks of "wishing he'd been a better friend" to many people. Matt, let me be the first to say there have been instances where any of us could have been a better friend to each other. Perhaps Flanagan blames himself for instigating some of our less honorable behaviours...but I've always looked at it as simply hastening the inevitable plunge into complete debauchery.

Anyway, the great thing about friendship is that statements (or in this case, a regret) like Matt's speak of the past, and what was. However, true friendship perseveres and God-willing, we all will have opportunity in coming years, as we go in different directions and accomplish our own goals, to be better friends to one another.

In the interim, the legacy Matt left some time ago lives on. Yes, in many ways, things have changed, we all have changed--but here's hoping what continues to make "the dudes" so special, stays just the same.

Now wipe your tears and go get F****** married (see Blaine, Hamptonite, etc.) or for pete's sake, at least date (See Ooon, James, Thew errr...Chandler--sorta).

And surely there are memories of the Flanagans, New Year's Eve Parties, church basketball, high school football, and Destin Trips (WHAT DID FIVE FINGERS SAY TO THE FACE?....), so let's get a little discussion going.