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Happy Birthday Mr. Budge...wherever you may be. Born June 13, 1915...he would have been 98 today.
I worked a couple of summers for Don Budge at his tennis camp in Maryland. The memories of that experience indelibly imprinted on my mind. Tears come to my eyes when I think of those days. This was an experience that helped to shape my future. There was Karen too...the Summer of 72. I saw this article that seemed to capture a snapshot of the man.
Don Budge was a gentleman that defied words. His demeanor and calmness around the camp was a magic aura. His concern for sportsmanship was only trumped by his understanding of human nature. I remember him seeing me tied up by my anger and he would pull me aside and gently talk to me. The softness and understanding in his voice soothing my angry spirit.
It was 1972...when many good boys had been shipped off to Vietnam. I was eighteen and becoming a man...the threat had been there. Living in a rice paddy a million miles from home. To die for my country like so many others...needlessly. The beat goes on. I will never forget the spirit of this man.
It is now 2013...I am approximately the same age as he was when I knew him.
He was legend but more than that...he was a man. God Bless you...Sir.
That explains alot.
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