As a teenager, I loved the O. Henry story “The Gift of the Magi” because, like Whitney Houston’s song, it symbolized love as “the greatest gift of all.” Now, after 70+ years, I know that love can manifest itself in several ways, including the love one has for a spouse, a partner, a child and grandchild, and a friend. This became so clear to me last week when I returned my childhood home, Dallas, Texas, for the funeral of my close friend of more than 60 years, Dr. Richard Louis Cole. For more than six decades we have shared hopes, aspirations and life experiences. I said at the funeral that it gave me a little comfort knowing that there were things in my life I wanted to be kept secret, things only Richard knew. Now, a sigh of relief, with Richard’s passing the world will never know. Our road together began at JL Long Junior High and at St. John’s Methodist Church near my home. Richard’s family were members and I became a regular at their youth group. As high school senio...