 |
 |
Volume XXI – The Memorial, Part 3
Even with the service over
I couldn’t move.
My wife ran to the car
to get the gift from work.
John had been
the Lead Electrical Engineer
on our company’s first
major O.E.M. launch:
the 2000 Lincoln Navigator.
(I worked on it too, but ...)
He was invited to
a grand event
sponsored by Ford
and received an award
from the executives
in Dearborn,
in the form of
a red toy Navigator with
working doors and hood,
about 1/18th scale,
I’d guess,
mounted on a plaque.
My wife handed it to me,
her dimples from God.
saving the moment
those blue eyes welled to
their patented level of love
& emotion (more than seven)
a ring of John’s former
co-workers,
the half dozen who made it,
formed a circle around Ed’s
cousin and the two kids.
As they looked up at us
I told them how
their uncle Ed
received the truck
and explained that
he’d probably like
them to have it.
I got down to
the boy’s height and said
"I don’t know, man,
I bet you can figure out
a way to take out
these two screws
and run it around
a bit –
if you’re careful
with it.
I don’t think
you’re uncle
would mind."
The rest of the family
Rose Marie, my wife,
and the people I'd be
back to work with
on Monday
listened on
happy
to focus
the moment
on the children.
I’m always amazed
at how those
little people
can change a mood.
We said our goodbyes
but the evening seemed
unfinished.
My wife and I knew
what was left
and we invited
Rose Marie
along.
We found
a margarita bar
somewhere
along the ten,
drank,
and told stories
of The Judge.
Rose Marie
spoke mostly
about how The Judge
(which is not
what she called him)
used to talk
about marrying her
and living in Bradbury.
I didn’t know
what to think
exactly.
He’d never
mentioned it to me, and
well, jeez,
this sounds a bit crass, but
me being logical and all,
I didn’t like
her chances
of getting him
to the altar
now.
We parted ways
with Rose Marie
in the rainy parking lot,
knowing we’d never
see each other again.
Later, at home,
my wife held me
for the two days
it took
until I could
drink enough
to break down
release The Judge
and cry.
Click here to read next Volume.