I met Paul and Joann for a “holiday” luncheon. Paul is Lee’s brother; Joanne is his wife. I hadn’t seen Paul for several months, and it is more than one year since I last saw Joanne. I had just finished parking my car and was about to feed a meter when I saw them exit their vehicle, parked nearby, across the street from mine. Before I could wave in greeting, Joanne had spotted me. She crossed the street and embraced me. Paul caught up with us, and we headed for the restaurant on the corner. I had passed the place while looking for a parking spot, so I left my hat and gloves inside my car, figuring they weren’t necessary on a short walk, mindful I might drop or forgetfully leave them behind. A prominent note at the darkened entrance of the restaurant announced the place was closed through the holidays.
We walked up the street into the teeth of a brisk, cold wind pouring out of the north, hoping to find a place to eat. Fortunately, another restaurant was located around the first corner we came to. It took some strength to pry open the door against the force of the wind, however, you could feel the welcoming warmth inside, and we scurried in to take full advantage. As it turns out, the place had a menu with a large selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. I ordered a half sandwich and soup combo, which included a side salad.
My half-club sandwich on whole wheat was generous, hearty, and tasty; the accompanying chicken rice soup was hot and delicious. I was pleased to be inside and out of the cold and wind.
***
Paul might have lost a couple of pounds since I last saw him; Joanne might have put on a couple. Memory is a funny thing. However, in general, they both looked fine and healthy to me.
After we got seated, I noticed that Paul seemed to be having trouble understanding me. He eventually admitted he was having problems with his hearing. Indeed, I hadn’t noticed before, but he was wearing an aid of some type that he controlled with his phone. He apparently was having trouble adjusting the device but stayed at it until he could announce that it was working better. Nonetheless, I observed he struggled hearing Joanne, despite the fact she was sitting next to him in the booth.
***
We ordered lunch and caught up. I asked them about their family holiday plans. I thought of Robyn, who had told me earlier in the day that she was downcast about the holidays, which are supposed to be about festive family gatherings, but didn’t mention this to Paul and Joanne.
I was interested to hear about the grandkids. Allie, Joe’s daughter who was always Lee’s favorite, is already thirteen. The last time I saw her was during a memorial for Lee, and she was only eight. Paul showed me a few recent photographs of Allie. I barely recognized her, although I’m certain she remains the same smart, sweet girl I recalled. Paul and Joanne bragged about her beautiful singing voice.
On the other hand, Paul and Joanne lamented that Toby, who is Andy’s son, is having significant and persistent psychological problems. Their revelation did not come as a shock to me, as I recalled the whispers when Lee was still alive. Back then, Toby was already tall for his age, and a handsome boy. Andy always hoped that Toby would become a star athlete, however, Paul and Joanne told me he has no interest in sports. Ironically, his younger sister has developed into a star athlete.
Paul showed me current photos of Toby and I was surprised to see him sporting retro, shoulder-length hair, fittingly perhaps, because he is a resolute bassist in a School of Rock band. Joanne describes him as “geeky,” adding that he has few friends, who are likewise geeky. I offered hopefully, well, he’s still young and there is plenty of time for him to blossom.
The conversation shifted to the doings of other family members, both young and old. For example, I learned that Paul and Joanne’s nephew Brad, who I was amazed to learn is fast approaching sixty, is here from Italy to visit his mother. One time, Lee and I stayed at her house on the lake. I recall her as a savvy and successful business executive, but Paul and Joanne informed me she has Alzheimer’s Disease, requires constant professional care, and that her long term prognosis is not good. Joanne reported that Brad’s mom still recognized him and his visit had lifted her spirits.
I told them I just recently stumbled across a coffee table quality photobook that Lee assembled to memorialize our European travels. It will be a decade this year. The book includes photos of Brad, his wife and two girls, even his father-in-law. They lived in fairy tale beauty in the lake region of northern Italy in the shadow of the mighty Alps. Sadly, Paul told me that after living in Italy for thirty years, Brad still feels like an outsider.
***
Eventually, I had to depart as I had commitments back in the City. I was running a bit late. However, it had been good to catch up with Paul and Joanne. Although we did not converse much about Lee, she had been with us in spirit.
On my way home, I got turned around, briefly drove in the wrong direction, and had to backtrack. I couldn’t recreate my precise route if I had to, but at one point I recognized I was back on a street where Lee had lived many years earlier, when we first met and fell in love. Suddenly, my eyes were moist. I continued home.
