Saturday, October 15, 2005

Sunshine on my Shoulders...

Makes me HAPPY! Finally, after 11 days of rain, mist and fog the sun has decided to shine! I can't even begin to express how wonderful this feels! If only I didn't have to spend my day mowing the knee-high grass in the back yard... sigh.
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Have you ever had a day where you just can't get an old friend off your mind? Yesterday was such a day for me. I got to thinking about my college days and a crush I had -- an impossible crush, really, because the object of my affection was gay.

He was beautiful... dark curly hair, deep azure pools for eyes and a disarming smile. I still remember the day I learned his secret. I was walking through campus with his brother's girlfriend -- who happened to be my roommate. I asked her if she thought he would ever like me and she laughed... boy did I feel stupid! As the year progressed, it became obvious and I wondered how I had missed the signs. Anyway... we became friends -- mostly because of our work in the theatre department -- but I spent most of my time with him and his posse of friends. We were a jaunty little band. One of his friends even escorted me to the Christmas dance -- all dressed up in his suit and charcoal gray cashmere coat. We had a ball that year!

So, anyway... before I wander too far down memory lane, I decided to find him yesterday and I spent several hours on Google trying to piece together the things I knew about him -- his profession, his last known city of residence... his all-too-common name made the search more difficult, but eventually (thanks to a gay professional association) I was able to find him... or at least his web page and, thus, his e-mail address. I screwed up my courage and typed an e-mail... I had butterflies when I pressed the send button... you see, I have this superstition that when someone's on your mind like that -- where you just can't get past your thoughts of them -- that something's wrong. I was worried that I would learn he was gone or terribly ill or something. So, about an hour later, I was delighted to see an e-mail arrive in my box from him. He shared bits of his life over the past 20 years: the suicide of a good friend, the shared dreams of him and his partner of nine years (who tragically died in 2000) and his current career. It was good to hear from him and he also shared the address and phone number of his now sister-in-law -- my above-referenced college roommate -- with whom I had lost touch.

All-in-all, I'd say it was a banner day. I feel better knowing that my friend has had some wonderful years in his life and that he's doing well. I'm also looking forward to calling and surprising the bejeezes out of my former roomie!

Happy Saturday, everyone. I'm off to mow the lawn now.
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Oh, yeah... I almost forgot. What the hell is up with THIS?
First Blond Bond This just seems so... so... WRONG!

4 comments:

Sheri said...

SO very glad the sun has come out for you LAuren. Care to send a little north? We are floating up here.

What a super story about your college friend. I'm so glad you reconnected with him... even if just to ease your mind about him. Have fun talking to you old roomie!

A blond James Bond? Yeah - that doesn't seem too right but he sure is nice to look at though.

blech on the tall grass. Maybe Mr. Small would do it for you? yeah right.

Tammy said...

What a neat connection!!! I can't wait to hear about you calling your other friend. I love to catch up with those who've been out of touch for awhile.

And yes, I read (ref: your post below!!!) but often don't get to post. I will try to let you know I am around!!!!

Jules said...

That's so cool you found your friend...I think it's rather telling of your situation right now too...I found as my first marriage broke up it became an opportunity to reflect on past loves, if not to necessarily contact them. The fact that he's gay makes him "safe" to contact, that's for sure. ;) I'm glad you found him...I've found some past friends after many years (or they've found me) and it's always a thrill to catch up.

As for that Blond Bond they've got cooked up -- the least they could have done is hired Jude Law! Now there's a Blond Bond I'd be willing to wreck my marriage over!

((HUGS))

Naughti Biscotti said...

I agree with Jules. I also contact old friends when my current relationship starts to fail. I had a huge crush on someone that I'm 99% sure was gay. I've been trying to locate him now for several months, with no success. I think I would prefer that he does turn out to be gay. I think I need a "safe" male relationship... one that would never lead to sex.