Who’s Larry?

On Saturday night last w/e, C and I went out to dinner with our neighbors (10 couples). If I’ve not noted it here before, I’ll note it here now…*we have great neighbors*. After Christine’s wake/funeral, C and I were told by many family and friends ‘what great neighbors you have’. It is so true!

Chris organized a great evening out! First we met at her house to gather and mingle. Had a nice glass of wine and then we were off in the rain. It's so nice that so many couples can get together like that. Anyway, once we arrived at Maggiano's, we began to socialize. Chris came over to our table and recalled a story of when she saw Charlie in the liquor store months back...she ran up to him and said 'hey Larry, how are you?' Larry, who the hell was Larry...we all cracked up picturing poor Charlie trying to figure out what was going on. The rest of the evening--he was Larry!

Our neighbors have all have been so supportive these last few months. They all came over to the house a week or so after the funeral to present us with a framed certificate of sorts that stated they wanted to buy and plant a tree in our yard in memory of Christine...so special.

I cornered *Larry the Landscaper*, hey that works, to tell him about an idea I had about a tree and he mentioned that he's got a great idea in mind and that he could not share it at that moment. He spoke of how every plant in his house means something to him in regards to someone he's lost...Father, Grandmother etc. I teared up a bit. I told him about the tree Oak Ridge Cemetery wants to plant for Christine as well. I teared up more thinking of that. He grabbed and hugged me saying, 'We love you so much!' I teared even more and he said, ' and here we go...I want old Marty back...look what you do to me (as he teared up)'. --Something like that. Anyway, I know what he meant. He wanted to see the funny/upbeat guy he spent vacation with back in August. I'm not that guy and may never be that guy again...things are not the same. That's not to say there won't be good times ahead, just not that night.

So, this spring, we look forward to learning what is planned for this new tree...you go Larry!

Chris--thanks for organizing a great evening...even if it did not look like it, C & I enjoyed the night out and look forward to many more. Sorry we did not get to chat with you more.