50 Years Later, Resurrection of Memories

Just when you think you knew someone, that's when they surprise you anew and you learn to appreciate yet another dimension in a person's life. This was most definitely true when Dennis informed me (the day of) that he and Yvonne would be on the national news that evening as part of CBS' broadcast in remembrance of Martin Luther King. It is a very moving and touching story about a friendship that has begun 35 years ago and that has grown ever since. Here, I will say no more but let you see for yourself. Unless you would like to watch the entire episode, fast forward to minute 11:




Apparently, the way this came together was that Dr. Hancock was approached by CBS to be part of the Martin Luther King episode and to share some of his experiences. And when they asked him to put it bluntly 'whether he had any white friends', he mentioned Dennis. One thing lead to the other, and before the Noesen's knew, camera crews were filming their house, Dennis taking out the boat, Dennis and Dr. Hancock at work, Yvonne coming home from the gym, Dennis' office... From what I understood, this all was very exciting and fun, until the realization sunk in that none would see the final version until it actually aired that night. As we all know, editing and clever cuts, can alter and misconstrue entire story lines. No wonder we were all a little anxious before that night's evening news.

Though, there was most definitely nothing to be worried about. To me, not only was it a beautiful story about friendship, but I also learned another amazing aspect about Dennis that I hadn't known before. I am so very proud of you, Dennis and Yvonne, and the entire rest of the cast to be so brave to share your story on a national stage.