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Dozens...and he could "quote them all"
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Eulogy of Buddy Green
Friday, August 13, 2004
Today I can only speak to you about my personal relationship with Buddy Green. His life from my perspective -- and everyone here has their own recollections -- these are mine.
About five years ago, I walked into Patti's drapery workroom to turn in some drapery orders. That day her son, Buddy was there and he walked up to me and introduced himself. He said "I know you don't know who I am, but I have heard mom talk about you for awhile. My name is Buddy Green."
We chatted for a few minutes and I left to go about my day's work. A few days later, I was back in the shop and again, Buddy and Patti dropped in. Buddy and I struck up another conversation. He said, "What are you doing after you leave here?" And he asked if I would like to go to lunch. We went to Applebees and talked for about three hours. Those three hours were the first of thousands to come. He told me story after story about himself, his childhood, his adolescence and his family.
He was an enchanting story-teller and I found his young life fascinating and at times heart-wrenching. I think that over these past five years he has recounted almost every single experience of his life.
From that day forward we had a bond. Over these past few years, he spent countless days and hours with me, riding with me from job site to job site, watching me, observing me, and he thought I was the best interior decorator he'd ever seen. My dry wit, candor with my clients and my casual style mesmerized him.
A few weeks after Buddy and I first met, my partner, Jay and I had a client who was moving to Las Vegas and their home needed a lot of faux finishes and decorative painting. Jay needed help. We talked and decided to ask Buddy to make the trip with us to help Jay with this enormous project. To be honest with you, several folks warned us that we were making a mistake. "Buddy", they said, "has some problems that I don't think you are going to want to deal with." But I am a bullheaded taurus and we went to Vegas, spending weeks together. Buddy took enormous pride in that job and in the unbridled trust we gave him to help us get it finished.
That Las Vegas family sent me an email upon learning of his death. They spoke of Buddy's amazing personality and his wonderful gift of artistry. Their 3 year old son Joshua was enchanted by Buddy's charm. My own niece, Savannah, only five when she met Buddy, was totally infatuated -- a little girl's crush on a very handsome, personable and charming young man and she is confused by his passing.
We took Buddy to work with us in New York and Arizona and Missouri. And each of those families expressed the pride they held in having a little part of Buddy's gift in their homes. Another family wrote: "Buddy's soul has now found the peace he struggled to find here on earth." They were glad to have shared their home with him.
I was his best friend, his counselor, his mentor, his employer and an anchor for his often-troubled life. He was like a son to me. In his own words, our home was a "safe haven" for him.
At times he lived with Jay and me for weeks or months. He was perfectly content to share our boring, ordinary, day-to-day lives, watching tv, renting movies, sharing stories and cooking.
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I came by your website by mistake. OK, not by mistake but I was looking for overdose stories to give to a very close and dear freind of mine who is on drugs. I thought that if I showed them to her it would make her think twice. When i read the story and message that you put out there I was instantly touched. I never met or knew buddy but I feel like I know him now. May he rest in peace and may everyone who knew him and loved him find peace. I am so sorry that he died but his story brings life...
Omar Moutal
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January 2008 - I came upon your website only by chance, but I have been touched. My son is now 28. He lives a quiet life with a wife and 2 year old son of his own. However, from age 17-24 I lived in constant fear from the lifestyle he was choosing with drugs and alcohol. I thank God that he didn't overdose or take his own life in those torrent days. My heart goes out to all who was touched by Buddy. He sounds so much like my son. Such a sweet person, but such a risk taker. God Bless.
Carolyn Keefer
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Today (Dec. 29, 2007) would have been Buddy's 30th birthday. Miss you still.
Jackie Glisson
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My mother and Patty were best friends. Therefore, Buddy and I grew up together. He was a wonderful person and always a friend. As kids, he was always the daredevil and I was the willing partner. He was so cute and comical. No one could resist his charm, even then. We drifted apart after I got married but he knew I always loved him. I have a very personal connection to Buddy and his addiction because of a family member. I wish he could have done everything he was capable of.
Shelby Ward
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What a beautifully sweet good-bye letter you have written to your friend. He sounds much like my son who also died of drug overdose and the list of Buddy's drug choices look like David's as well. What a shame to loose such creative and loving people to such a destructive force. David also said his I love you's shortly before he departed this world. Drugs and bad choices did not define who they were but it did take away their futures. I am so sorry for you and his family. Phil 4:19
Elaine David's Mama
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Uncle Jackie, Today (05/08/2007) is the first time I have read all the way through this. (Sorry it took so long to read it). I hope that my friends and I can stay as close, and loyal as you and Buddy did! I only met him a couple times, but he was a super nice guy! People pass, but memories last forever!
Sarah Glisson
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Hi Jackie,
You wrote a beautiful memorial for Buddy. Buddy is here, with you--physicists know energy doesn't just stop. He's present, he knows you love him, and he loves you. You have been blessed to have had him in your life. As a survivor, I've learned that those who pass do not want us to remain on this earth sad for them. Your memorial has gifted many others, and, while I didn't know Buddy, I'm sure he is here in spirit, with you, with his mother--as the ones I've lost are here with me.LOVE
Newland Campbell
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Today would have been Buddy's 29th birthday. How do you say "Happy Birthday" to someone who's no longer here? Love and miss you Buddy, Jackie
Jackie Glisson
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{{{Hugs}}} to you Jackie for being such a true friend. Thank you for sharing you story of Buddy.
Drugs are to me the root of all evil.
We lost a special person in our life due to an overdose, and its something we have to live with everyday.
Kathy K
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R.I.P. Buddy. Someone I know has died of drugs and it is comforting to know that I'm not the only one who has seen someone die of this. But at the same time sad.
Love ya!
Courtney Walker
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