Laura Gendy— a true DUKE BASKETBALL FAN!
Exactly 20 years ago this month, I started my freshman year at Bishop McGuiness High School in Winston- Salem and met my friend Laura Gendy-this unusually quiet, well mannered, short, studious, goody two shoed Egyptian girl who barely spoke and I thought there is no way in hell we would ever be friends….she was just too different for my taste. Well, my bad attitude was quickly remedied as I got to know this slightly irreverant but perfectly Catholic model straight A student; there was something irristably charming about Laura and I loved having her in my circle of friends. We sat together in our classes, during mass, during lunch; after school….as the years progressed and we could drive; we spent time together just hanging out. Laura somehow knew something about everybody that we did not know- she just seemed to always be filled with new information about everything. So, it was how we stayed in the know about what was going on.
Laura’s legacy is her insanley completely devoted loyal passionate love for Duke Basketball. I did not give a rip about basketball, let alone Duke University, until I met Laura. After meeting Laura, I quickly learned the names of players, developed a crush on Christian Laettner, and grew an appreciation for the artistry of Bobby Hurley’s pass. I started to think Coach K was the smartest and greatest person ever; and even learned to forgive his funny voice. I have never been quite sure how Laura became so in love with the Duke Basketball program….I mean none of us went there or had any real ties to the place; but let me tell you- in a world where UNC was king; there was no love truer than what Laura had for Duke Basketball. The day Laettner hit “The Shot” was one of the happiest days in Laura’s life. She was on Cloud 9 for weeks. To our shock, Laura went to UNC- but remained as loyal and true to Duke. She endured the hisses as she proudly donned her devil blue sweatshirts around Chapel Hill..she went to all the games and screamed for her beloved Blue Devils every chance she got. She called me while we were in college (I went to App State) and told me she was even vistited by Grant Hill in her UNC dormroom (he was dating a girl who lived in her dorm). Her love for the team even drove some of the players girlfriends crazy as they accused her of being a stalker(she may have been), but they had no idea who they were dealing with. One year she even recieved a birthday card from Coach K’s office.
Laura and I lost touch after a few years out of high school but reconnected in 2002…and it was like no time had passed at all. She told me she approved of by my husband- not for his charm; his smile or his warm spirit; but for his love of Duke Basketball. I am happy to say we got together a number of times since reconnecting, and I heard from her shortly after my daughter was born last February. She specifically said she is counting on us to raise her to be a Duke fan…..and Laura, we will. Her life long love affair with Duke gave her much joy, so much that it spread to others. I never understood how someone could love a basketball team so much for a college they did not even attend; but Laura was one of a kind.
My friend Laura died this past weekend during surgery. I knew she was having some health issues- but had no idea how serious they were. She was cared for by the staff and doctors at Duke Medical Center; who were acknowledged for their care by Laura’s family. Laura was a beautiful, accomplished, brilliant, kind soul who lit our worlds with her love for Duke Basketball. This week, Duke lost someone who is likely to be remembered as one of their most devout fans of all time (yes a bold statement- but trust me on this). Laura, we know you will be rooting for Duke from your spot in heaven, and those of us you left behind will be right there with you.
In Loving Memory of Laura Gendy
1975-2008
I did not know Laura and unfortunately I never will. We were never in the same circle or the same “world” for that matter. We were both Duke fanatics and that is all I can say. Every time Duke plays now, I think of her, a stranger. I had the honor of receiving her memorabilia left behind at her parents. As i thumbed through the various scrapbooks all personalized, tears ran down my face. All of these things are cherished and her memory lives along in me, a complete stranger, every time Duke hits the hardwood or I walk into my den to admire my Duke “shrine.” Duke Basketball is our connection and who knew something could touch lives like this. My thoughts and prayers continue for her friends and family. In experiencing all of this, it has truly touched my heart in a way that makes one realize just how fragile life is. I try even harder to not take anything for granted, especially my children and family after seeing the tear’s of Laura’s mother run down her face. Thank you, Laura, for touching my heart in the most mysterious of ways. You will be remembered.