BJ Murphy: To my dear friend, Reece Gardner

To my dear friend,

You left Kinston, and this world, better than you found it. Your love for Emma was second to none - you two were our very own Ronald and Nancy. The Reece Gardner Hour is forever etched in my story as you gave me opportunity after opportunity to share my successes and failures with your audience. Through your poignant questioning and always positive start and finish to each show, I sharpened my skills, messaging, and understanding of community.

As a 25-year-old kid, you showed kindness by allowing me to be a serious candidate for mayor. Over the years, we discussed electric rates, crime, Global TransPark, Magic Mile Media, Neuse News, street repaving, family, Covid-19, business, politics, and more. There was never a topic off the table and never enough time to discuss them all.

Your love for country was inspirational. Your devotion to God, unshakable. Your passion for community, motivating.

You cherished your children. You told me how you used to put on a tape and hit record just to capture conversations with your own children. You were the inspiration behind my #ConversationswithKathryn series over the years.

You were always the positive voice on any subject. How you approached the most delicate of issues - race, religion, and more - allowed for open and honest dialogue. Yet, you always seemed to find a way to encourage and uplift our community.

The tears I cry and hold back are both of sadness and joy. Sadness because you were a giant in my life. You were quick to say “yes” to writing a column for Neuse News. You allowed a political neophyte access to your platform and wisdom, and you encouraged me. I truly cherish those moments, your voice on the other end of the phone, and your inspirational Facebook comments or emails.

I am also very happy for you. From the moment of Emma’s passing, you knew where she was and you’d meet her there one day. Honestly, we all should be a little jealous of the love you had for each other. Now you’re there with her, my friend.

I feel these words fall short of the impact you had through Rotary, Dale Carnegie Training, your column, your TV show, your love for fellow man, and me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me a chance.

Until we meet again, my friend.

Love,

BJ