Throughout history, differences in race, ethnicity, economic status, and religion have sometimes been used as obstacles to keep people separate. But true friendship surpasses all those barriers.
Anyone who has enjoyed a lifelong, loyal friendship considers themselves blessed - they always have someone to count on throughout the turning tides of life. Charlie Connor and Harold Wilson, both natives of Catawba County, and graduates of Bunker Hill High School in Claremont, were those types of friends. Although a difference in age, the small-town friendship soon blossomed into a special bond.
Sports were a common interest between the young men. Harold was a 1968 graduate of Bunker Hill, where he was one of the first Black athletes to run track, play football, and basketball. He then went on to proudly serve his country in the Army; including Vietnam. Charlie graduated from Bunker Hill High School a few years after Harold in 1975.
The years flew by, as they do, but the men remained close. A few years ago, Charlie realized he hadn’t heard from Harold in a while. He learned that Harold was in the hospital, so of course, Charlie and another mutual friend went to visit. They soon discovered that Harold was not doing well and needed surgery, but the doctor told him that his heart was too weak. Charlie asked Harold, “Do you know how sick you are?”
Charlie knew time was crucial to help his friend. Another schoolmate, Jennie Connor (no relation to Charlie), came to mind as someone who might have resources to help. At the time, Jennie was the Executive Director of Catawba County United Way. She not only referred Harold to Carolina Caring for hospice services but assisted with obtaining the information needed to get placement for his care.
A plan fell into place and that very day, Harold was transferred to the Hospice House at Carolina Caring in Newton. When Harold arrived and looked around, he said jokingly to his dear friend Charlie, “How did you get a Black man into a place like this?” Charlie smiled and replied that it was not about his color but about his health. This was where he needed to be.
Harold was blessed to spend his final hours surrounded by his loving family and friends, in a place devoted to providing heartfelt care, comfort, and peace to those experiencing the end of life’s journey. No one knows when their time will come to a close, but many know in their hearts, without a doubt, that the gift of true friendship, which transcends everything, is priceless in this world.