Sad News

Why is it, that when you live far from home you only hear about sad news?

Well today is another gloomy day here in China and I got some sad news that made it worse. I learned today that my boss from the Wabash College Bookstore has passed away. I am still in shock, because Mike Bachner '70 seemed to be one of the healthiest guys I knew.

I began work at the bookstore as a sophomore intern during the summer. I guess I did a good job, because Mike kept me around until I graduated from Wabash. I even got the usual free diploma frame as a gift, which now the most valuable piece of Wabash I own. Mike taught me a lot about working in a small bookstore or shop, he himself owning one or two over the years. But, I think I taught him just as much about technology and being on top of things. What can I say? Mike made working at the bookstore a valuable experience for me, that only added to my already wonderful college life.

Some things I will always remember about Mike:

I was once the lucky recipient of a CD shower. Mike sat at his desk and flung CD's at me, though I believe I sent a few back his way. Working could always be fun at the bookstore.

French Fries. I don't believe Mike ever ordered Fries, but he had a nasty habit of stealing mine from my lunches... and some from others as well.

"Hugs or Slugs?" Mike always offered me these two choices. I usually took the slugs, but Mike was always trying to work in a hug and sometimes he did. I'm really going to miss that choice when I go back to the bookstore.

Well, things just aren't going to be the same when I go to the bookstore next time. I know things change, but this is probably the biggest change next to the PINK Wabash College sweatshirts we had at an all male school.

For now I will relish in my memories of the bookstore. So, how bout sending me some good news sometime?