I’ve become addicted to a television show called “Without a Trace.”  Great acting, great story lines that tie together without forcing you to see the episodes consecutively.

The premise of the show reminds me that no one ever leaves without a trace. Sam Dudley left a huge footprint which I only wish we could trace.

There are people who come into your life and fade away unnoticed.  Then were are those who leave something for you to hang onto, something that will never fade.

Sam Dudley did that for me and thousands of students at Mississippi State.. He was a beautiful man who was a war hero and  a role model for us all. A gentleman. A true humanitarian. A journalist who cared about more than punctuation. He demanded the truth.

He died this week and I didn’t even know because I didn’t go out and pick up my paper for two days. I missed his memorial, and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.