THE AMERICAN DREAM

By Peter Vuono

     When Hernani "Ernie" Branco came to the United States from Portugal decades ago, he brought with him the keys to success, He brought a  strong and supportive family background, a hard work ethic, an eagerness to learn and above all, an ebullient personality just exuding love, laughter and friendship. Ernie and I met in 1975 at Bridgewater State College. One couldn't help but like him with his sincere warmth which was infectious.
     Ernie knew the importance of not just getting an education but speaking English well. He requested to study with me at my home on his various English assignments thus honing his skills in translation. It didn't take long for my mother to fall in love with him. It took only a few sessions before Ernie was confident in mastering the English language. On par with this was his athletic expertise.
     Ernie was the kicker for our football team which was only natural with the enormous amount of soccer expertise brimming within him. Sometimes, he kicked the ball so far that it seemed that it landed in Middleboro. This excellence gave Ernie an opportunity to try out as a kicker for the New England Patriots. Just following graduation, Ernie was off to training camp. However it was here that he had an epiphany as to where his talents could best be shared- in service.
    Ernie became an outstanding soccer coach, Health teacher and friend. Everywhere he taught and coached he touched the lives of teachers and students alike whether it be evoking laughter, a kind and sincere handshake or in the bolstering of a child's self esteem. Ernie took this magical charm to higher levels as an assitant principal and finally a principal. He never once condescended and continued to treat everyone with kindness, laughter love and respect.
    Only a few days ago Ernie was taken from us in a fatal single auto accident. Only when we all meet the creator will we know why such things are allowed. Perhaps Ernie was chosen for another mission for we cannot forget that although he is gone bodily, his spirit lives on forever and will forever inspire.
     At about the same time that Ernie entered the USA, a close friend of Bruce Lee's, Taky Kimura, had experienced a profound hardship that impacted his life severely. Lee wrote to Kimura saying,"Life is an ever flowing process and somewhere on the path some unpleasant things will pop up- it might leave a scar- but then life is flowing on, and like running water, when it stops, it grows stale. Go bravely on  my friend because each experience teaches us a lesson."
     The Ernie Branco that I know would want each and every one of us to"go bravely on" and like him, pursue our own American Dream.