Disbelief Is Replaced by Love

For my generation, especially, the news of Earvin (Magic) Johnson’s sudden retirement and illness hit us like a 70-m.p.h. boulder.

Magic’s announcement has already been likened to the news of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. This is not to trivialize the death of a president. I understand, as do my peers, the significance of that page of history, although most of us were merely infants when the world lost its two heroes, Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. There have been no heroes since.

But then came Magic. He gave us all, young and old, something to believe in. Magic’s gift crossed racial lines and economic classes. We all have been receivers of his record number of assists, his dazzling style of basketball, his captivating smile, his charity, his kindness and his humanity. Magic made us want to win the game of life. He gave us hope, on and off the court.

Our generation’s challenge is to continue in an upward, positive motion in a world besieged with poverty, crime, drugs, deadly diseases and senseless wars. This is also Magic’s challenge. No other hero could be better suited to lead the way.

ALISON B. HATTER

Los Angeles