This week was one that threw me for a loop. When people you know well start passing away, or get really sick, you start thinking more about your own mortality.
Last Friday, Harold Battiste, Jr. died. Harold and I became friends when he moved back to New Orleans in the early 1990s when he moved back from Los Angeles to teach in the Jazz Studies program at the University of New Orleans.
I got to know him late in his life, but I treasure his memory and our talks. Harold had not been well for some time, years really, but he was always trying to keep up at his old pace, something he ultimately could not do. He came to see us at second-floor office many times, and as time went on he continued to come. But one of the last times he visited after he climbed the stairs, he could barely walk or breathe. We put him into a wheeled office chair and took him down the elevator so that he could be driven home. Sad.
Harold was a sharp cookie, and stayed that way until close to the end. We interviewed him for the short video we made last year for Best of The Beat Lifetime Achievement recipient, Ellis Marsalis, since Ellis and Harold were close (Ellis convinced Harold to move back to New Orleans to start up the jazz program). But Harold was failing, back in January. In fact, we opted not to use the footage; he was just too frail. He pushed himself until he couldn’t push anymore, seeing friends, promoting his “Silver Book” and talking about the legacy of music he’d created and passed on to others. It’s hard to believe he’s not with us anymore, but I know he was so frustrated at not being able to do the things he wanted to do anymore. Getting old happens to all of us, young friends…and our elders are so, so valuable to us.
Then, I get the news that OffBeat’s one-time editor, writer and cartoonist, Bunny Matthews, is being treated for brain cancer. Wow. Will Bunn Matthews created many cartoons for OffBeat (some extremely controversial, but that’s another story) and was our editor from 1999 until Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Bunny is one of the smartest people I know, one of the best writers, most talented artists and social commentators, and a just a total character. He’s a unique talent that could only have been born in New Orleans. It’s particularly sad that his brain is the focus of his cancer; it’s definitely his best asset.
He’s currently at home with his wife Debbie, in Abita Springs, recuperating from a hospital stay, and fighting for his life. He wrote a poignant post on his Facebook page, and a post so totally different from the Bunny that I know…
This is very hard to do…to admit…to write…
But I have brain cancer…
I didn’t know but now I know so that is good.
I knew something was wrong with me. I could feel something was wrong.
There is so much to say but I have no idea about the future. I am home at last but I have to be very quiet.
I am very loopy from drugs.
I see all sides of everything. I see everything is good and great.
I love everyone.There is no reason to be hateful or envious. Excuse me–but I’m always on the verge of crying.
Money is not important. Coolness is not important. Being the first is not important.
Love is important.
Shooting other people, shooting up drugs–that is very unimportant.
LOVE.
I sound like Jesus but that is the way.
No one at the hospital really cared who I was–what color or race or creed I was. They were only concerned with my health. That’s the way life should be. We shouldn’t be concerned with what others “are.”
Before I forget, I think I have the best neurosurgeon on the planet–Dr. Justin Owen. He is cocky and cynical like me. Dr. Owen tells the truth.There are many kinds of cancer. There is no cure for cancer because every cancer is unique. It all depends on many factors.
I am very tired. Sorry.
I had the best doctors, the best nurses, the best food.
I thank everyone for their wishes of recovery.
I will try to “tag” people in this photograph so you can share the information.
I have the best family and friends and wife who ever existed. I could type more but I am different so I will sign off for now. I will be back.
Remember: LOVE is the only thing that really matters.
LOVE.
I didn’t really intend to announce to the world in my blog that Bunny had cancer (I thought that was a pretty private matter), but his Facebook seems to have done that, and now other media are picking up on it (other media that never hired him except to do the occasional cartoon, by the way, yet now they are touting his talents). There are many of our readers who don’t read any other New Orleans media but OffBeat, and many of them love and remember Bunny’s stint at OffBeat, and his talent, and this is for them. Say a prayer for him, and send him your love.
But I refuse to be maudlin when it comes to Bunny. He’s definitely a fighter and a survivor, and if anyone will triumph through this, it’ll be him. No obits yet, Bun. I’m so glad his right brain seems to be taking over; it’s the best in times of stress…look it up! Wishing you much love, Bunny.
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