The Bart Chronicles

For those not in the know, Bart is a significant mentor figure in my life. I have known him for over 20 years and his impact on my life can never be underestimated. Having always been a vital and vibrant person who lived life to the utmost, Bart suffered a serious accident last March impacting his hip joint and lower spine (fractures). This accident has dramatically changed his personal circumstances and it has not been an easy thing for me to take. Since this incident, he has had a slow and painful recovery as well as surgery to help alleviate his pain. I make it a point to visit Bart at least once a week to check up on him.

It appears that Bart will be taking up permanent residence at a local convalescent center as they are best equipped to provide him with the care and support he needs. To be honest, it's difficult to see Bart so incapacitated and immobile as he is notorious for his zest and energetic personality. Prior to this accident, it was common for Bart to run up and down a flight of steps and ride his bicycle around town for errands. The accident has stolen that vitality away from him sadly, it seems.

Last weekend, I pushed Bart around in a wheelchair - something unimaginable before. I try to offer as much morale and support as possible to him of course. But this hardship has exacted a slow toll on him as a result of the pain and accompanying difficulties from his accident. Much of the time, Bart seems to be listless or groggy with no desire to get out of his bed. Of course a recovery can take some time to undertake.

I hope that somehow Bart will manage to stage some surprise "comeback" and pull through this tough time, with a full return to former glory. But the reality of his situation appears to be a lot more starker than that. The best that can be expected is to take things day by day and maintain a hope for the best - while expecting the worst.

Though Bart turns a very seasoned 94 on October 10, I am reminded that life is a fleeting thing. Ultimately, we only have the here and now to embrace. I've had many happy times growing up under Bart's wise and benevolent influence. Those memories are irreplaceable. Selfishly, I would have "preferred" to have seen Bart meet a more dignified and sudden (peacefully of course) end than slowly fade away.

For those who have never had the experience of meeting him in person, Bart impacts you as a "larger than life" character and truly one of a kind. You could not hope to meet someone more kind, generous, charitable, social, humane, and simply brilliant. I could write a book about the myriad of experiences I have had involving him - his influence on my life among numerous others can never be underestimated.