ANNA MONICA

A farewell to frank

“It’s time to lighten up,” my sister Maria told me some time ago after reading yet another of my columns with a sad content. But, life being what it is and my experiences being what they are, it takes a little time before the light comes through. This time I am thinking about Frank Alexander of LaPlace and how the tennis courts seem a little empty without him, especially for Patricio (Pat) Bedoya and (Dr.) Escipion Pedroza. For years they played tennis with Frank on just about every Saturday of the year. All of them were devoted tennis players. Frank, too, was an excellent one. His death was unexpected and sudden. A number of us who knew and had played tennis with Frank were there to say our goodbyes at a service held for him at New Wine Church. Like so many others who attended this well organized funeral service, Pat and Wanda, Escipion and Carol and I had our own memories, most of which took place on the tennis court, although for Pat and Escipion, the relationship went beyond that. Frank was a friend, not just a good tennis player. He was also like a brother to the others, and that is the first thing Pat reminded me of when we spoke following Frank’s death. They had earned each other’s respect and friendship, and Frank had just dropped in to see Pat at his business a few days before. The men always checked on each other and shared their concerns. There was a true bonding. What any of us will remember best is Frank’s constant, ever-present smile. It was his hallmark, a true winner, and he shared it with everyone. He was African American, but with Frank and his friends no one ever even thought about race or any kind of differences. All they ever seemed to concentrate on was their sameness. That relationship could teach many of us a lesson. It seems there weren’t many people who didn’t like Frank. It has been a while since I was Frank’s partner in doubles, but he was a great partner. Elaine Gaille once played a tournament with him, and they did quite well. His personality, and not just his playing ability, made Frank a desirable partner in tennis. The person he was made him a desirable friend and a preferable business associate with the general public. At the helm of a State Farm Insurance agency in LaPlace, Frank was well known in the River Parishes. Many of his friends chose him for their agent. Just recently, as I passed the tennis courts, I saw Pat and Escipion in the parking lot talking. They seemed forlorn, and my heart went out to them, so I stopped to chat. We had tearfully bid Frank goodbye at the services, but for Pat and Escipion, the tears they were holding inside were evident. They said it was terribly hard getting back on the tennis court. We all know, however, Frank would want that. ANNA MONICA, a resident of Garyville, writes this column every Wednesday for L’Observateur.