Nearly 60 years later, Civil Rights leader Andrew Young, visiting Drake U, reflected on that. And he shared an amazing story about my brother Tom Offenburger, too.
Really a great column Chuck. You choked me up. I've lost two big brothers -- one at age 52 like yours. The fact you could hear someone like Andrew Young provide you a testimonial about your brother and his life is priceless.
Years ago, I got into a conversation with a retired Waterloo cop who was on the football team with one of my brothers in high school. He told me my brother "took a lot of s--t" from the older guys at practice but hung in there.
"You should be proud of your brother," he said.
"I am, " I replied.
He didn't have to tell me to be proud, but it was sure nice to hear. For you to hear what you heard across the years from someone who did so much for so many is quite incredible and must be very affirming. It must grab you right inside your chest.
I've been reading you for years, but this one? Like watching Mantle take batting practice. You wove the tale in our usual folksy way, pulled he laces tight and grabbed me in the gut. It's an honor for me to be in this group with you.
Thank you for this wonderful story, Chuck. All of these men and women you knew then and write about now had to grow up so early in life, didn't they? Tom was a young man way ahead of his time. They are heroes whose lives should be studied and honored.
Really a great column Chuck. You choked me up. I've lost two big brothers -- one at age 52 like yours. The fact you could hear someone like Andrew Young provide you a testimonial about your brother and his life is priceless.
Years ago, I got into a conversation with a retired Waterloo cop who was on the football team with one of my brothers in high school. He told me my brother "took a lot of s--t" from the older guys at practice but hung in there.
"You should be proud of your brother," he said.
"I am, " I replied.
He didn't have to tell me to be proud, but it was sure nice to hear. For you to hear what you heard across the years from someone who did so much for so many is quite incredible and must be very affirming. It must grab you right inside your chest.
I've been reading you for years, but this one? Like watching Mantle take batting practice. You wove the tale in our usual folksy way, pulled he laces tight and grabbed me in the gut. It's an honor for me to be in this group with you.
Thank you for this wonderful story, Chuck. All of these men and women you knew then and write about now had to grow up so early in life, didn't they? Tom was a young man way ahead of his time. They are heroes whose lives should be studied and honored.
What a privilege for you to have known those youngsters!
What a moving, fascinating and powerful column, Chuck. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing these stories, Chuck. Terrific column!