Thanks so much ETJ, I am so far. Well, Jamcam, we talked on the phone at least once a month the whole 4 years. I couldn't afford to go back till this year. I sent him letters, pics and stuff too. He doesn't have internet so now just the phone is difficult but we're trying to get it arranged for him to visit here this summer. Wish me luck!
I spent a couple days in his home town this time - it was pretty special.
His friends and fam and bartender all told me, "I've been hearing about you for years" lol