Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/728154
A BeAr for the Ages It would not be even the slIghtest untruth to declare that the friendship I am fortunate to share with george butler was born of chance and solidified through a progression of odd circumstances. of course, many relationships follow a similar path. what makes this tale worth telling is the tremendous adventure it has added to both of our lives. I sell guns for a living, mostly fine sporting arms entrusted by collectors and estates. one of these, a double rifle, captured george's attention. Following an exchange of particulars, he anxiously took delivery and soon reported back with initial satisfaction. that was that, or so I thought. george phoned several weeks later with a range report. being a talker, a common affliction of those hailing from Mississippi, he eventually swung the conversation from guns and hunting toward the personal. george was acting as the principal care provider for bonnie, his wife of many years, and shared some highlights of their wonderful life together. "I'm right there with you," I somehow managed to interject. "My mother is also in failing health, and every evening is dedicated to helping my father make her as comfortable as possible." From then on george and I were in touch nearly every day, usually visiting about our common challenges and interests. george and bonnie never had children, so he was always quick to prompt discussion about my son and daughter. when my mother passed away george was the first to send flowers. when my son announced that I was soon to be a grandfather and my daughter's wonderful boyfriend asked me for her hand, george was among the first to hear the happy news. My granddaughter, Annabel, came into the world on the heels of an october blizzard, and bonnie slipped away hours later as we were fighting our way home. It took some time before I could find a safe place to pull off the highway and make the call. george made it easy, "george is here with us in spirit, and I have a feeling that everything is going to work out. In truth, I think it's going to be magical." By Dwight Van Brunt