A Banquet With Barnes...And Bart

After a year's absence, I found myself reunited with my Kenyan pal, "Mr. Barnes" on Sunday night. This on the heels of completing another computer repair for him.

I first met Barnes back in 2001 as a boarder of my other pal "Darian". If there ever was an embodiment of someone living "The American Dream" it would definitely be he. Arriving via Kenya and landing in Alabama with only $30 to his name, Mr. Barnes wandered around the U.S. in search of the proper place before settling in Wildwood. Working his way into an RN position, Barnes easily possesses the most robust work ethic I have ever personally witnessed. In addition, Barnes is one of the most down to earth, humble, and affable people you could ever hope to meet. He is a man without pretense or ego and a great person to have in your corner. I could offer additional accolades but it is suffice to say Barnes is just swell.

As a result of his success, Barnes is now able to live more comfortably. Yet, he still has the fierce zeal and determination to scale ever further and higher, though completely devoid of any semblance of ego often found in such instances. Over the years, I have been in the employ of Mr. Barnes for various computer repair services. This despite the distance now between us as a result of his relocation to Newark, Delaware. Without fail, Barnes will ritualistically contact me at some point in a given year seeking some assistance regarding a computer malady. Of which I am (almost) always happy to oblige. Usually at the conclusion of such matters, I am lauded with endless accolades referring to me as his "legend and hero". Hardly. But I do know my way around a motherboard or two. But assuredly, the enthusiastic reception I receive from Mr. Barnes is always welcomed.

After wrapping up another such repair job, a most grateful Mr. Barnes insisted on "celebrating" with dinner out. This was a welcomed gesture of generosity as I had been working out in the hot sun all day and absolutely starved. As "luck" would have it, Brian just happened to arrive home from work and was more than eager to join in. Ultimately, we collectively settled on an old standby, Pizza Hut of which I hadn't sampled in a year or so. Upon arriving, Barnes, Brian, and I avidly sought out a table in the midst of the harried summer crowds finally settling into an open booth.

Acting in the spirit of Jove, Barnes adamantly insisted on us ordering whatever we wanted - offering a Pizza Hut feast fit for a king. Settling in with a gargantuan feast of a large pizza, medium pizza, 2 orders of bread sticks, salad, and chicken wings, I was overwhelmed with the offerings, managing to down a few slices of pizza and a couple bread sticks. Barnes casually sampled a number of the copious delicacies, leaving it to Brian to do the lion's share of consumption. Brian did not disappoint.

While feasting, Mr. Barnes managed to strike up some small talk with our waitress Ashley, who was the recipient of a generous tip. Then in a hurry to return home to Delaware (a 1.5 hour ride away from Wildwood), this after remaining awake for the past 2 days, Barnes bade us a hearty farewell before heading off into the sunset. Brian and I were left with enough "leftovers" to feed an army. Truly, Barnes is one of the most gracious and outstanding members of the human race you will ever encounter. Obviously, I am most fortunate to have him as a friend. Cheers to ya Mr. Barnes!

On a closing and different note, I have determined to the best of my ability that the notion of Bart being the victim of "elder abuse" (posited by his nephew Fritz last week) seems to be the result of an overactive imagination. This "assertion" caused a tremendous amount of outrage and duress for many who know Bart intimately. Bart's influence as a mentor and "role model" on scores of people can never be underestimated - as evidenced by the tremendous outpouring of support in light of his injury.

Personally, I can never repay Bart for the positive contribution he has made to my life. Just fathoming the warped scenario his nephew brought into speculation literally makes me cringe. No one should ever suffer mercilessly at the hands of another (well, maybe Osama Bin Laden) and Bart "especially so".

As of this posting, I am pleased to report that after undergoing back surgery to help alleviate his pain, Bart is now in recovery at a respectable local convalescent center offshore. He will be undergoing rehabilitative therapy in an attempt to help him regain lost mobility. I am cautiously optimistic that he will rebound in some way, perhaps making some small return to former glory. One can hope, at least.