"My Buddy"

When I first arrived at Erskine College to start my college career I was scared to death. Oh I looked like I was full of confidence but believe me I wasn't. I had a roommate I had never met, and a campus full of people who didn't know me. I was away from home and on my own.

One of the first people I met was Alph H "Buddy" Browne. He was from Miami and had a car. Both of these facts impressed me. It made him appear to me to be rich, and I later learned he did come from a well off family. His father was an oil company executive.

Buddy and I developed a friendship. We double dated a lot (he had a car); studied together, and sat up some nights talking about life and such. I will not say Buddy was my best friend in college but he was a good friend. I even went home with him to Miami at spring break one year. We went up to Fort Lauderdale and yes, that was where the girls were.

Buddy was one of the best natured people I ever knew. He took some teasing from me and some of our friends. We were a sarcastic group who thought cutting some one down was hilarious and more often than not Buddy was the brunt of our jabs. He never retaliated, just went on with his life and with our friendships like we hadn't said a thing to him.

During those days I was intense. My moods were all over the place and I could get angry over the least perceived slight. I was popular but that was because people put up with my moodiness. When I was not in a bad mood I was great fun. So maybe it evened out. But because I was so moody and intense, I thought Buddy was shallow. He never seemed to have a bad mood and always seemed to be on an even keel.

He wasn't the best student but he pulled through alright. He just wasn't analytical. I analyzed everything but he didn't. He accepted things as they were and never worried over why they were. He was just good old Buddy Browne.

After college we didn't stay in touch and I really didn't think about him that much. I heard that he had gone into the business world and was successful. That didn't surprise me. I heard he had gotten married and had some kids and I was happy to hear that. Buddy deserved the love and attention of a good woman.

Then a year ago I heard from an Erskine classmate telling me that Buddy was sick. She sent me his e-mail address and I wrote to him. He answered telling me all about his illness and how there really wasn't anything the doctors could do to make him well. He asked about my family and all and then he added at the end for me not to worry because the fat lady had not yet sung.

We have e-mailed back and forth for the past few months. The last one I got from Buddy he said that he thought the fat lady had come into the room and was warming up. I got the picture. I know Buddy's family will let me know if something happens and when it does I won't be surprised. Buddy has prepared me for the end.

What does surprise me is the depth of Buddy Browne. My college friend who I thought was so shallow has faced his illness with a determination and resolve that John Wane couldn't have mustered in his better roles. He has shown me there is dignity in a life well lived. He has shown me that courage is possible in the face of death. He has also shown me that Christianity and faith can bring you peace.

I am already grieving for my buddy, Buddy Browne. He was a good friend of mine in college. He is a good friend of mine today. I am glad I got to know the power of this man. He has had a good life he tells me, and now he is ready to face death with dignity. I am awed by his strength.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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