Disbelief Is Replaced by Love

Magic,

I envisioned saying goodby much differently. It was supposed to be in two or three years, during the Lakers’ final regular-season game at the Forum. The crowd of 17,505 would be on their feet, applauding their hero with a thunderous ovation until their hands hurt. You would be at center court, surrounded by those who made a difference: your parents, wife and children, Kareem, James, Riles, Byron, West, Buss and Silk. I would be among the crowd, tears slowly trickling down my face.

But no, I was not at the Forum when all these images flashed by. Instead, I was staring in disbelief at the television, waiting for the press conference to begin. There was no applause, no cheers. There were tears.

And then you appeared, handling the microphone in the same manner you handled your entire career: with grace, style, class, emotion, love and respect for everyone around you and with the same unyielding will to win which you exhibited in every game you ever played in.

However, once again you are being asked to give even more of yourself. Only this time it will not be just for fans of the NBA. It will be for the millions who have or will be afflicted with AIDS. Not surprisingly, you will give everything you have to fight the insidious disease many have ignored because “it could never happen” to them. You will devote yourself to a much higher cause than NBA basketball.

But before you do so, it is time that your fans give back to you. For all you have given, may you now receive all of the honor, support, thanks and love you deserve.

DAVID RING

Santa Monica