July 26, 2011
My dear Friend, Teacher and Mentor,
How are you? I haven't heard from you since February. I tried calling almost every night and that lifeless, womanly voice on the distant line keeps telling me to check the number because your phone has been disconnected. I yell at her everytime asking her why would you do such a thing? I mean...........how else are we suppose to arrange another double date without means of talking to one another? By the way, I saw a very pretty twenty-something year old brunette the other day and asked if she would like me to introduce her to a perfectly witty and charming gentleman and you know what she said? She said if only you didn't live all the way across the country. I guess that means I am going to have to visit you again sometime in the near future to let you two meet! I don't want to be known as the devil of love because I know there are painful consequences involving your bat! Anyways, I remember the last time we spoke you told me you were in and out of the hospital because of health complications. I hope things are better so that you are back about your mischievous ways : ).
You know what Maurice, I miss taking you grocery shopping.......to all 5 different grocery stores. I miss how you would try to woo the bank clerk everytime you withdrew money from there. I miss seeing how frugal and cheap you were with money when spending it on yourself, using coupons and putting things back at the checkout counter, but so willingly and generous when buying food for Napolean III or taking Leigh and I out to eat. I miss how we would 99.99% of the time get two burgers, one for you and the other for Napolean, from Carl's Jr. after we were done grocery shopping. But you know what I miss most of all Maurice............. I miss seeing you fight. The way you would take an entire minute to battle your way up and out of the passenger seat of my little sports car. I miss you seeing you grab the small kitchen knife to cut your food while in so much arthritic pain that it makes you shake and moan. I miss seeing that familiar fighting spirit of yours that years ago gave me so much hope and purpose to bring myself back from the point of no return. Not too many people are lucky enough to see the fighting spirit of a human being on the very brink of its existence. So much confusion; so much pain; so much pride but yet so much strength. It is very inspiring to see you fight even when you do not even know what you are fighting for. I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for showing me; for teaching me that when the times come and if needed I have that channel of strength to tap into. Although I hope I will never have to use it.
Leigh says hi. I know you miss her too. I think I was able to make her feel accountable towards you before we left because there were times I would test her and she would pass with flying colors. It melts my heart hearing her talk to you. So gentle; so kind; so nurturing; so comforting and giving. Now if only I can get her to speak to me the same way! Ha. I know you want me to keep her close and so many conversations we had about this. I'm a lucky guy but the world is so much bigger than love. There's so much to fix; so many people to help. I know you may not understand but you are going to have to trust me on this one. I don't think it's in the cards for me.
Well there I go rambling. Sorry........... Well Maurice, I do not know when we will next talk to one another but I hope you are happy. Whatever happens, as long as you are happy and smiling, I promise I'll do the same for you. Until we meet again my Friend, Teacher and Mentor, you keep that bat handy. I'll be back for it.
With sincere love,
Andrew
