So at my third annual art show two weeks ago, someone walks back into my life after 35+ years. I sent invitations to about five people I had neither seen nor heard from in forever. When this person walked through the door, he seemed familiar. At first I thought it was my son’s friend, Ben. Then I realized that this guy was too old, but could possibly be my old oboe teacher from college — close, but no cigar. Then, as he approached and came face-to-face, I heard him utter his name in a really low tone. I was flabbergasted! Like someone you thought you might like to see, but when they actually arrive you feel like running the other way. I can remember when I was in college during the war in Vietnam, we were all given names of soldiers who weren’t getting any mail from anyone. I wrote to this guy for months. Have no idea what was exchanged in those letters. When he got discharged from the service, his first destination was me. Talk about panic. I cut off any communication and ran as fast as I could. Too young, I said. I was only a kid. What would a Vietnam vet want with me? I still feel really crappy every time I think of abandoning that chap. Now, I can’t even remember his name. But I did remember Mister E. (name changed to protect the innocent and the not so innocent) who came to the show. Wanted to cut and run, but it was my show.
So I rooted myself into the wooden floor of the hall, accepted a cursory hug, and tried to remember where he fit in my life . . . when and where I had known him, and what we had “done.” He asked me to show him around, but my attention was diverted by another show-goer, so he left my side to have a look by himself. He took photos of my stuff, did Mr. E. Oh yeah- he handed me a cd when he first arrived and said, “Here’s some music I like to listen to.”
We sat and talked for a while, then he left. Long story short – listened to cd the next day, contacted him by email to say thanks and a couple of other things. The rest I’ll keep to myself ’cause I’m still processing the experience. So far it’s all positive.
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