On the passing of Bill Reynolds… “For what it’s worth” – Michael Morse

I used to read “The Paper” now and then, but never missed the Saturday Morning Sports Section. I already knew The Sox were bums, the Bruins would blow it, The Pats stunk, and The Celtics were great. Before my eyes were clear, and the coffee was still piping hot, I got my fix of the real world from a columnist whose take on current events far exceeded the wonderful world of sports.

When I was a laborer for a construction company I installed a window in a guy’s garage who wrote the very column I referenced to. And I made certain the job was perfect.

And it took me all day, Bunky.

By seeing behind the athlete, and beyond the game, the columns I read in the Providence Journal stayed with me long after the game was over.

When we finally met in person I could not believe he was taller than me. A lot taller.

Kids from Providence exist in a parallel but completely different universe from suburban kids. Those columns helped me understand just how different. And made me a better firefighter as I responded to their emergencies.

I saved those Saturday Morning columns, and re-read them a few times during the week.

A voice exists in my mind, and that voice compels me to see what lies beneath the obvious, and that voice belongs to Bill Reynolds.

May he rest in peace, as the essence of his words lives on as his spirit becomes a muse.

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Read more article by Michael Morse, here: https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/michael-morse/

Michael Morse, [email protected], a monthly contributor is a retired Captain with the Providence Fire Department.

Michael Morse spent 23 years as a firefighter/EMT with the Providence Fire Department before retiring in 2013 as Captain, Rescue Co. 5. He is an author of several books, most offering fellow firefighter/EMTs and the general population alike a poignant glimpse into one person’s journey through life, work and hope for the future. He is a Warwick resident.