Dear Editor:
As I pick up the paper to read, my eyes often fall on a certain name. Out of curiosity I quickly begin to read what is said and am often dismayed by what is written.
Ten years ago, I found myself in a battered women’s shelter with a 10-year-old son and $20 to my name. It was shortly thereafter that I moved to Hollister. I was not from California and I had no friends or family in the area for support.
About two months after arriving in Hollister, I met a man. I explained to this man that I wasn’t looking for a “relationship” but that I was looking for a friend, and if he could be that friend, GREAT! He quickly befriended myself and my son.
He would come over to my house and play with my son. They would play football, Nintendo, build models, wrestle, paint and other guy stuff that moms don’t like to do.
This wonderful man took my son to his ranch and gave him a tour of all the equipment and explained every aspect of walnut farming. My son was eager to learn, appreciated having a “grown-up friend,” and couldn’t wait to spend time with his mom’s friend.
As for me, this man was very supportive. He taught me many things, and since I had virtually no self-esteem as a result of my previous relationship, he helped me rebuild that. We had great fun together. If I needed something taken to the dump, I would mention it, and when I got home from work, it would be gone. He would have come during the day and hauled it off for me.
He was the type of person who would do anything for you, no matter what time of day or night it was. We have since gone our separate ways; however, remain friends.
I know that, in my darkest hour, I can give this man a call, and he will be there for me. Even if I am hundreds of miles away he will find a way to help me.
Whether true or false, after all that has been written about him, I had to let people know that this person is, in fact, human, has a heart, compassion, and a willingness to do what is right. The person I am speaking of is Tony LoBue.
He will always be a dear friend to me.
Andi Anderson
