2020 Hindsight: The Wonderful Joe Basara

I have never really been a fan of April 20th.  Smoking has never been a thing for me, but that's not what fuels my dislike for this date.  It was 21 years ago, as Sarah and I sat with our Pastor and her parents, planning our wedding service when I looked up and saw the CNN footage of Columbine.  And there are other ignominious events that occurred on other 420s....Well maybe the 111th day of 2020 would be different (being a Leap Year, it's a palindrome on 4/20/2020) , but it was not.  I had the worst news this morning.  The COVID-19 pandemic hit me even harder this morning as I heard about the death of one of the nicest men I know.  Joe Basara lived in the next town over, Collingswood and, like me, was a D13 Little League Umpire.  Whenever I arrived at a ball-field and saw that I was partnered with Joe, I knew it would be a fun game.  Joe brought fun wherever he went and he was so dedicated to Little League and its ideals of betterment for kids and youth.  Joe made everyone smile and he was so smart.  We did not always agree on things (especially politics on FB), but his arguments were always well thought out and reasonable.  And he made me think.  Fun, Kind, Smart, dedicated to kids..... he was one of the best.  And now this epidemic has come way too close and has made me cry even more.  I cannot wait for when it is safe for us to gather to honor him.  I know I'll be wearing the blue.  RIP, Joe.  We miss you so much.

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