A story about my brother:
WENDELL “MOON” GRIFFITH
Way back over fifty years ago, I played football for Asbury Park High School. We were a great team, and we were absolutely a bunch of “kick-ass” guys. We were fearless warriors, more tough than good.
We went through thick and thin together. We won some, and we lost some. Aside from being an exceptionally cohesive group of young men, the seldom-spoken about adhesive that held us together was composed of our two legendary fantastic coaches Butch Bruno and Lockey Rhinehart, plus our dedicated Manager, Moon Griffith.
Minimal credit is given to the post of Manager. The Manager is the go-to guy for everything, not just during a game or practice session but also wherever or whenever needed. On the field, I compare the Manager to a corpsman in the heat of battle. There were times I would equate the Manager to a mother hen. Off the field, he was a true gatekeeper and fervent supporter. He was forever there to jump in when needed.
Moon’s value to the team was equal to any of us guys who played. If we were injured, he was the first person to assist, and I know first hand. He was there with tape and ice automatically and a towel to wipe away the blood. If given the opportunity, Moon would have carried the ball with as much zeal as anybody and would have blocked and tackled ferociously.
After high school, Moon joined the Air Force as a career man. He is married and has one daughter. He and his wife reside in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
I lost track of Moon for all these years until one day, I received an email from him through Classmates.com. I was shocked and thrilled. After over all of these years, Moon still remembered me. We exchanged phone numbers, and Moon immediately followed up with a call. It took us about five minutes to remove the distance of over fifty years. We found ourselves in the good old days again. How great is that?
Now we are in touch about once a month. We call each other and just chat and catch up. We talk about the old days and bless our old friends who are gone. I always mention others I keep up with. I also proudly tell everybody about Moon and the old days.
Moon’s health isn’t very good and it’s difficult for him to get around these days. When we chat he always expresses his desire to visit Asbury Park one last time. We fantasize about making the trip together but health issues for both of us are obstacles.
We had one of our chats last week and I told Moon that I had started writing short stories. He asked that I send him some and requested that I write one about him. I sent one involving one of our football coaches. I’m sure it will conjure up some fond memories for him. I hope so.
I have often said that my fellow ball players are like brothers because we all drank out of the same water bucket. Moon was the man who provided that ladle and the water. I remember the sweet taste of that water.
Knowing about Moons service career and his past performance as our manager and brother I would say Wendell “Moon” Griffith is a PROVEN WARRIOR.
He remembers the lessons we learned from those Asbury Park glory days. Those were the important days that have molded our lives. All roads lead to where we are. Moon is a man of high integrity. He has kept the faith.
Thanks, Moon, for coming back in my life and for all the support and camaraderie. Nice to have some laughs with you. When I think of you, I will always see your forever smiling face and incredible good nature.
