re: Dandy Don questions his longevity

I would encourage everyone who's ever looked at his site to send Don words of support during this very different (for him) holiday season. He was always a gentleman to me, kind and courteous, cut from a different cloth than many of the shouters making so much noise and saying nothing. Don loves LSU, plain and simple, and his commitment to his site is something precious few out there can come close to grasping. I stayed busy every day for years covering LSU because it was my job. He did it, and does it, because he loves his Tigers, and he loves his fellow LSU fans.

In the summer of 2007, I finally met Alex Box, the nephew of the man two baseball stadiums were named for, when Alex and his wife drove from near Augusta, Ga., through Baton Rouge on their way to Lafayette to be a part of the 50th wedding anniversary of Don and his bride. The two men became friends a long time ago because of Dandy Don's website, and their bond is part of what makes college athletics so special, especially in the Internet age that has made the world so small. It was a privilege to visit with Alex and to hear him talk with such respect for Don. They are both salt-of-the-earth gentlemen.

I miss Louisiana, but it's nothing like missing the woman you were married to for more than 50 years. If you can't imagine what that's like, might I recommend reading Don's Thanksgiving message from last month.

It's my hope Don will be blanketed by love, concern and best wishes this holiday season and for the rest of his life, and that people will understand -- before he's no longer around -- how special a fan he is. And, then, that they tell him, now, while he's here to hear them say it.

You're a good man, Don. Thanks for the times you came up and said hello. Merry Christmas, and may God bless you and your family.