Passing of a Friend

My friend Walter White passed away Thursday. He was 50. Walter was killed on
the job and a BNSF railroad transfer station.

Years ago he threatened to teach me to be black. I told him he'd know he
succeeded when I wore a dashiki to work.

He grew up in South Central LA and knew the original Bloods and Crips. He
and his young friends created a 'spy network' so they knew were these
gangsters were and could avoid them as the ran home from school. Obviously,
Walter grew up in a very violent and scary neighborhood. Yet, he had no
traces of the watchful and aggressive attitude that usually characterizes
people from such places. He was a kind and quiet man, quick to smile. I
asked him how he managed that quite grace after growing up in that way. He
said, "I like to sit in the park and meditate on the Bible."

Not once did Walter try to convert nor did he brag about his faith. If you
knew him, you knew he was raised Catholic. If you didn't, your only clue was
a small cross earring. Walter never told you about the Bible. He never
needed to. He didn't live his religion. He lived in the spirit of his god. I
can offer no greater compliment.

When last Walter came by the house after a long absence from my life, I told
him that when he came in he'd notice I practiced an alternative religion. He
said, "I figure if it works for you then you should do it." As far as I can
tell, he never even noticed the Egyptian altar or the pentagram.

Walter worked for Pacific Bell, the County of Fresno and lately for the
railroad. Walter is survived by his recently married daughter and 1 month
old grand daughter. He will be missed.


--
"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a
cross." -- Sinclair Lewis