Can anything be said today about Arthur that has not been said before? Probably not. But let me please, express my sorrow and repentance for the fact that Arthur had to say in 1993, just a few years ago, that “being black is the greatest burden I have had to bear”.
Yes, being black was for Arthur a greater burden than being infected by AIDS… a greater burden than the numerous operations he had to combat that hideous virus, and the times when he had to undergo heart by-pass surgery to deal with and survive hear attacks. None of these compared, he said, in 1992, with “the burden of being black!”
But heroically he never allowed that burden to overcome him, or his wife, Jeanne, or their most precious family member, Camera. In his last and most brilliant and sensitive book Arthur wrote a closing chapter entitled, “My Dear Camera”. That chapter begins with these words:--
“By the time you read this letter from me to you for the first time, I may not be around to discuss with you what I have written here. Perhaps I will still be with you and your mother, sharing in your daily lives, in your joys and in your sorrows. However, I may be gone. You would doubtless be sad that I am gone, and remember me clearly for a while. Then I will exist only as a memory already beginning to fade in your mind. Although it is natural for memories to fade, I am writing this letter in the hope that your recollection of me will never fade completely. I would like to remain a part of your life, Camera, for as long as you live”.
Today, Camera and Jeanne, I hope Arthur’s wish continues to be true, that your recollection of him will never fade completely and that he will remain a part of your life, Camera, for as long as you live.
I keep an autographed photo of Arthur in my bedroom. In the picture he is wearing his tennis outfit and carrying his racquet in hand ready to receive an opponent’s serve. On that photo he wrote a message to me. It says,
“To Sarge, I hope your stop running around your backhand”.
Arthur knew I would never be able to stop running around my backhand, but he also knew that I would always treasure that memorable photo of him… a man who never ran around or avoided any of the challenges God gave to him in his life.
Arthur overcame all those challenges, I am sure. That’s why I am also sure Arthur is in Heaven with God and will always remain a part of your life, Camera, and hopefully of mine.
