Many times, I find myself looking at old photographs and programs from the different territories I was in. I thumb through old magazines that had articles about the men and women who made wrestling what it is today. I try and remember what fun I had with a lot of these fine people.

I find myself looking out the window and remembering the huge crowds. I remember the excitement of going out into an arena. I remember the colorful outfits I used to wear. I remember the huge men whom I managed. I remember the huge opponents we faced. Most of all, I remember all the friends I made during my 13 years in the business. They meant the most to me and still do.

I remember going to a lot of the homes of these superstars and being a part of their "REAL" families. The brownstone mansion of Mr. Farhat, known to many as The Sheik, was one of the most beautiful homes I used to visit. The huge, gray marble-fronted foyer was one of the focal points when you entered the door to this gigantic dwelling that he and Joyce called home. It had a full time maid, a secretary, a bookkeeper/accountant, and a gardener in attendance. The huge Olympic-sized swimming pool was just off the rear terrace, with a beautiful view of a man-made lake. No home in the area could compare itself with this edifice.

The seven-bedroom home had a lot of visitors in it. To name a few, the Good Doctor, Dr. Jerry Graham, stayed there. Buddy "Nature Boy" Rogers spent a few nights there. I spent a few nights in the huge guestroom. It was an honor to stay at Sheik's home. He and Joyce made you feel at home; everything was first cabin and first class. You never left there hungry or sad.

Another home I visited a lot was Bobo Brazil's home in Benton Harbor, Michigan. From the outside, it is the biggest house on the block. Three stories and 15 rooms make up this huge home. Bobo lived a great life in Benton Harbor, and the people there loved him as much as the fans did worldwide. Bobo was named Outstanding Citizen of Benton Harbor and was given the key to the city by the mayor on more then one occasion. Bobo also had a community center named after him. Of course, most of the people of Benton Harbor called him Houston or Mr. Harris.

I can still remember spending the 4th of July with Bobo in 1997 and having a super day. We played cards, talked, laughed, and ate food till I could eat no more. We were surrounded by our friends and his family all day, and Bobo was having the time of his life. In his retirement, as when he was wrestling, Bobo loved being around his family every chance he could. He also welcomed any of the volume of friends that he made while in the wrestling business to stop by his home.

It was hard to believe that just six months later, Bobo would be gone from us. His son, Carl, said to me in a visit to Bobo's home not long ago, "They must have needed somebody for the main event, and God had him booked to appear."

The home was so quiet. Everybody had gone their own way. Beverly, his daughter, had gotten married, all the kids had moved out, and just a grandson stayed on to be with Doris. I glanced heavily at the small walnut case that contained Bobo's ashes on the fireplace mantle, and suddenly, I heard that huge laugh that was only Bobo.

I turned, and I could visualize him sitting in that big, brown leather recliner. He covered most of it when he sat down. I could hear him calling out to his grandson to get him a glass of ice cold water. I could hear him talking about going to see the Cubs in Chicago, or calling Tim Hampton or Chunky Washington to come by and play cards with him.

Then, suddenly, Nancy shook me, as it was time to go back home to Ohio.

Bobo is missed by a lot of people, and only his memories are there to keep him alive. There will never be another man to take his place.... And rightfully so.

Rest in peace, old timer, and when the final 10 bells are rung for me, open those ropes and let me tag in.

Till next time...