Miss Dixie Dumplin'

A few days before he passed, Bill Bixby was allowed to leave the hospital to play a round of golf. As crazy as that sounds, he was terminal, and his doctor allowed it. We were members of the same club. It was early afternoon and the pro asked if I would go out with him. He had a locked off catheter in his arm and said he wasn't in pain, but we nonetheless played nine holes before he got too tired. I marveled at his courage and composure. I had always been a fan, of course, and only knew him as a nodding acquaintance at the club. In retrospect I'm honored that he spent a few quiet hours doing what he loved and that I got to know him, however briefly. A lovely man.