You may recall my friend, Eva May, and I ventured into the city at the beginning of the month. While there, I recounted a trip I'd made years ago with another friend and her son, T, to visit the Statue of Liberty. It was a 
glorious day. A Tuesday or Wednesday as I recall and we had the place amost to ourselves. We walked straight to the top, no waiting, looked around without being rushed, and had plenty of time to enjoy the rest of our day. This outing took place 18 years ago. I'm guessing it's been 15 since I last saw T.
One morning last week I was checking emails and came across one listing various details about myself challenging me to connect the dots and determine who sent it. Yep, it was from T. Do you think I summoned him by speaking of him with Eva May? I wish I'd known I have this ability. I'd have done it years ago.
I first met T when he was a cute, gawky eight-year-old kid. His mom and I were friends. He lived with his dad where he went to school so he and his sister would visit during summer vacations. I was in college and we spent a lot of time hanging out at my mom's pool. I remember the first year he had this yellow ball he floated around with tucked under his chin the whole time.
T was a non-kid kid if that makes any sense. He was a kid in a lot of ways but he wasn't. His mind was way too advanced for that. Got him into lots of trouble over the years too. At one point I offered to spend some time talking to him but was told in no uncertain terms by my friend to butt out. After all, I had no children of my
own so how could I possibly help? Hm, perhaps because I'd also been a kid who didn't always fit the mold? Sorry, T. I did try to protect you. I sure wanted to and I would have if I could have. Bet you didn't know about that, did you?
One year, among other things, T got a bag of sweatsocks for Christmas. He knew I got terrible migraines and gave me one to tie around my head to keep it from exploding, sweetheart that he was. Guess what, T? I still have it. Yep, your sock is still making me feel better after all this time. And I still have the blue and white painting you did when you tried your hand at being an artist.
When T turned 16 and got his license I let him drive my precious little blue car and me to dinner with his family. What he didn't know was at that time I didn't let anyone else drive my car. See T, it was as big a deal for me as it was for you.
Anyway, back to that trip to the Statue of Liberty. You challenged me for details. We had Dove
bars on Ellis Island and then we went to the Manhattan Chess Club where you had a game with one of the members. I admit I didn't know much about chess at the time, still don't but I did know about reading people. The man you played wasn't humoring you with that game. Yes, he won but it was a real game that required thought on his part.
I'm so glad you're back, T. In the few conversations we've had I can see traces of the cute, little boy you were and the funny, sarcastic (and hot!) teenager you grew into. I'm looking forward to getting to know the man you've become.
glorious day. A Tuesday or Wednesday as I recall and we had the place amost to ourselves. We walked straight to the top, no waiting, looked around without being rushed, and had plenty of time to enjoy the rest of our day. This outing took place 18 years ago. I'm guessing it's been 15 since I last saw T.One morning last week I was checking emails and came across one listing various details about myself challenging me to connect the dots and determine who sent it. Yep, it was from T. Do you think I summoned him by speaking of him with Eva May? I wish I'd known I have this ability. I'd have done it years ago.
I first met T when he was a cute, gawky eight-year-old kid. His mom and I were friends. He lived with his dad where he went to school so he and his sister would visit during summer vacations. I was in college and we spent a lot of time hanging out at my mom's pool. I remember the first year he had this yellow ball he floated around with tucked under his chin the whole time.
T was a non-kid kid if that makes any sense. He was a kid in a lot of ways but he wasn't. His mind was way too advanced for that. Got him into lots of trouble over the years too. At one point I offered to spend some time talking to him but was told in no uncertain terms by my friend to butt out. After all, I had no children of my
own so how could I possibly help? Hm, perhaps because I'd also been a kid who didn't always fit the mold? Sorry, T. I did try to protect you. I sure wanted to and I would have if I could have. Bet you didn't know about that, did you?One year, among other things, T got a bag of sweatsocks for Christmas. He knew I got terrible migraines and gave me one to tie around my head to keep it from exploding, sweetheart that he was. Guess what, T? I still have it. Yep, your sock is still making me feel better after all this time. And I still have the blue and white painting you did when you tried your hand at being an artist.
When T turned 16 and got his license I let him drive my precious little blue car and me to dinner with his family. What he didn't know was at that time I didn't let anyone else drive my car. See T, it was as big a deal for me as it was for you.
Anyway, back to that trip to the Statue of Liberty. You challenged me for details. We had Dove
bars on Ellis Island and then we went to the Manhattan Chess Club where you had a game with one of the members. I admit I didn't know much about chess at the time, still don't but I did know about reading people. The man you played wasn't humoring you with that game. Yes, he won but it was a real game that required thought on his part.I'm so glad you're back, T. In the few conversations we've had I can see traces of the cute, little boy you were and the funny, sarcastic (and hot!) teenager you grew into. I'm looking forward to getting to know the man you've become.
9 comments:
So how old would Mr T be now? Yes, I could do the math but it's not 5am here yet so give me break. Sweatsock on your head...cute or a would-be fashion designer?
33. Standard issue white, perfect for holding in the contents of one's head.
Standard white issue...the man or the sock? Any OMG you are a goddess but then aren't we all? I may frighten folks with a picture of me 20 years ago too. Alert the emergency services...
Aw shucks, you are being too kind. Very nice blog, by the way. There were a few details I can throw in, not that it will make the blog any better, but what the heck.
1. I can't believe you remember the yellow ball, it's the only reason I didn't drown. I still have it.
2. We were the only non-Vietnamese people at the Statue of Liberty that day. Not that it matters, but it's kinda funny.
3. I drove your car that night because somebody was a little typsy (I won't say who, as she is now reformed). That little Plymouth was a real rocket; although I could drive a stick shift with no problem, I had trouble with that car. Did that thing have 400 horsepower?
4. I have a picture of that guy stomping me at the chess club. He was a grandmaster, so that mitigated the pain of defeat a bit.
5. Time for you to upgrade the sock; it's cute you still have it. I'll send you a ninja headband to replace it. Hey, you might as well feel empowered during a headache, right?
I could go on and on, but I don't want to bore the rest of the world. Thanks again for the nice blog, I'm honored to be the topic du jour. And I'm VERY impressed by your memory, I thought I was the only one that remembered details like that!
Hi T and Barb, too. It's funny the things that will stick in the mind, isn't it. Cool how people can drift, seemingly at random, in and out of our lives. The reuniting deal can make it seem as if they'd never left at all.
Wonderful blog! Mr. T sounds like an outstanding young man. I'm glad you still have the sock, Barb!
I say Mr T is a keeper:)
I see a very personal Oh Yum in your future. *snort* Go Barb, take the T by storm.
What a cute pic =)
T sounds like a great guy. Funny how people wander back into your life at the oddest times. Have fun!
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