my tribute to Bowe

I feel terrible that it has taken me this long to respond to the news of Bowe's death. I have been incredibly busy with school and other work during the past few weeks, but have been following the updates closely. Ryan was a pledge brother of mine and a good friend. Even though we hadn't spoken in years, I did think of him regularly. I often think of the "freestyle" video we made on campus and wonder what happened to it. I think Bowe's obsession with "freestyle" (which is basically skateboarding without a skateboard for those who don't know) sums up Bowe in a way because it shows his creativity and his quirky, understated, hilarious sense of humor. What it doesn't show is his sincerity. He was the nicest guy I knew. He truly cared about others. He enjoyed his life, but he also wanted others to be able to enjoy their lives, too. He was quiet, but extremly intelligent, passionate, and dedicated.

As sad as this was for me, a person who hasn't seen Bowe in a long time, I can't imagine how hard it is on those closest to him, Ryndi, Vicki, Larry and the rest of his family. My sincerest condolences go out to all of you.

As a father of a 3-year-old girl and a second child due in November, it hit me especially hard to find out about the pregnancy. However, I find the birth of Ryan Jr. extremely comforting. All I hear about on the news is celebrated junkies having babies (ala Anna Nicole Smith (no relation), Brittney Spears and Nikki whoever). In the face of this self-centered hedonism it is really nice to know that a child was born to Ryan Bowe, because a child of Ryan's will have a sincerity, a humility, a self-sacrificing character that will help make the world of my children a place worth living. I might even hope that my children will be able to befriend Ryan Jr. at W&L. (Unfortunately, unlike Ryan Jr., my children will have to deny being related to me to get into W&L as my conduct at the University might have left a little to be desired.)

I was proud, but not suprised, to read of Ryan's accomplishments since he left W&L - he has done much for many people - but I think I am proudest to know he left us a little piece of himself behind, a little piece who I am sure will one day pick up where his dad left off.

I would like to do more than write about Bowe, but as a student who lacked the dedication of Bowe in college at W&L, I am now back in college and borrowing mucho dineros to support my family. I love the idea being discussed of the relay, but cannot afford the trip out there. If someone has an idea for a fundraiser in the southeastern area (I live in West Tennessee), I would be interested. With no training, I ran three miles at St. Jude 5k in Memphis last Dec. in 33 minutes (trying to keep pace with the 11-year-old I was running with was more difficult than expected), so I think I could run a sub-10 minute mile with a little practice (my H.S. x-country coach would be so proud). Anyway, I would love to help raise money since I don't have any at the moment to give; just let me know what I can do. I would love to help in any way possible.

I also want to say that it has been good seeing some other familiar names posting and emailing. I want to apologize to everyone for being such a loser and not keeping in touch with reality during my days at W&L or with any of you since.

May God bless you all,

The Smiths

Micah, Amy, Ella, and ?