BY STEVE GOODMAN
I first met my friend Randy about eight months ago on an Internet Web site for Mars Hill Fellowship, a growing Seattle church that was founded by one of my former Washington State University roommates (thus you could say we met on "Church Chat").
Many of us had nicknames.
Randy’s was Big Eddie and mine was SikmaLargentZorn. An avid historian of the professional Seattle sports scene, I came up with my moniker by fusing the last names of Emerald City icons Jack of the Sonics and Steve and Jim of the Seahawks.
The forum we met on was known as MidRash, a name I believe stems from a Hebrew practice in which teachers and students assemble and discuss the latest philosophical ideas.
The discussion group attracted numerous spiritual thinkers online. But it has become a one-man show, made up of the writings and musings of Big Eddie.
I was first prompted to visit this guy at a north Seattle care facility after reading a series of his MidRash posts in which he communicated his struggles with loneliness and physical suffering.
I was moved. You see, Big Eddie has had major gastrointestinal afflictions and has undergone surgery to try to help him heal.
When I first saw him, I did not know what to expect. He turned out to be one of the nicest, well-rounded people I’ve ever met. His sense of humor is distinct and unique. His knowledge of Hollywood directors, actors and films could lead him to a career in that field. And his sensitivity toward people and his subsequent insights reveal some of his vast inner depth.
He also hails from Montesano, a town full of its own unique slice of Americana that reminds me of my own town of Mountlake Terrace. I think this similarity has been part of the reasons why we have clicked so well.
I think our visits have provided us with a breather from our daily life struggles, as well as humor and brotherly fellowship. Big Eddie has inspired me with his perseverance through suffering, has helped me to understand people who are isolated from society, and has gotten me to see several great films I had never heard of.
He has even started to walk again.
Ultimately, I’m thankful for this new friend and how much he’s taught me.
A former substitute teacher in Edmonds for several years, Steve Goodman of Mountlake Terrace is currently mulling different career options.
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