Lee
My friend and traveling companion, Kathy, and I were discussing a possible upcoming winter vacation in Puerto Rico.
"You know Lee probably still lives in Puerto Rico. And, although, I have been there 4 times since we lost contact, I have never looked him up. Twice I went with my ex-husband and twice I went with my parents and son so it was never a good time." I said.
"Yeah, I remember Lee. You introduced us in New York years ago." replied Kathy.
"Yes, I remember." I answered. " Maybe if we go to Puerto Rico this winter we can try to find him. It might be fun to play detective and track him down. He might be married and have kids. Or maybe not. But, anyway, it would be fun to see him again. And maybe he would even drive us around the island and show us some sights."
'Yeah, that would be cool. I think we should do it." said Kathy.
"You know I always remember him fondly. He was so much fun. So handsome and so funny." I added.
"Why didn't you marry him? Was it because he was Catholic?" Kathy asked.
"No, it wasn't just because he was Catholic although he was so Catholic - so religious which never would have worked. But, also because I just couldn't trust him. He always had an eye for the ladies. I don't think he was trustworthy in any way."
"Oh really? I didn't know that." Kathy was surprised.
"Yeah. Even the last time I saw him I think he already had another girlfriend. You know I visited him in Puerto Rico twice after he moved back from New Jersey. The first time was great. But the second time wasn't so good. I think he was two timing me with someone he had met down there."
"Oh, that's terrible." sympathized Kathy.
"No," I said. "It didn't matter that much. I already knew we were breaking up. He had moved home to Puerto Rico and I was never moving down there. And I knew I would never marry him. He was untrustworthy in every way."
"You keep saying that. Like what else?" asked Kathy.
"Take for example when his parents came to New Jersey to visit him. He left the house everyday in a suit and tie as though he was going to work and then he changed at the clubhouse and played golf all day until 5 o'clock. Then he would change back into his suit and go home to see his parents." I laughed. "They never knew that he didn't have a real job."
"Oh, my goodness, why did he do that?" Kathy asked.
Still laughing, I explained, "He didn't want his parents bugging him about finding a job. He was making money betting on golf with the old men at the golf course and enjoyed it more than work. He was so good at golf that he always won their money. Really terrific! You know, that was the thing about Lee - he was so handsome, so smart, so funny and so athletic, but he was not marriage material. I had a great year with him, but I knew it had to end." I sat back in my chair and thought about Lee with a sigh. He had been such a wonderful boyfriend, but boyfriend was all he could ever be to me.
"I wonder what happened to him?" I thought out loud. "I wonder if he ever did settle down and get married? I wonder if he had any kids? Or if he ever finished college for that matter? He was really something! I have so many wonderful memories of him and the fun we had together!"
Two nights later I was still thinking about Lee so I went online to see if I could dig up anything at all about him. I had tried before but never found a shred of information. I tried "Lee Mathews" - nothing. I tried "Leandro Mathews" - nothing. I tried "Lee Mathews Puerto Rico" - nothing.
But I entered something slightly different into Google and eureka! I found "Leander "Lee" Mathews Maldonado". His obituary came up. Lee had died of cancer of the stomach in November, 2009. Oh my God! What horrible news! And, I was alone at my computer with Hurricane Irene blowing north and noone to share the news with. Lee was dead. He had died at 57 years old. And there was a picture someone blew up for the funeral - older with a receding hairline but still handsome. There was also a picture of his widowed mother kissing a crystal cross sitting next to Lee's son, Michael, at the funeral. The obituary had mentioned Michael and his mother and his sister, but no wife. Not surprising.
What was surprising was that Lee had made good. He had become the Director of a Job Corps program first in the Bronx and then in Edison, New Jersey. It was obvious that he had devoted students and was well liked in the community. He had been honored for his work in the job corps helping disadvantaged young people get job training. He had spoken at a Rotary Club meeting and acted as an auctioneer at a charity event. He had even been honored in Congress after his death. Oh, Lee, you were able to harness your brains, energy, humor and charm to use toward a good cause and a worthy position.
I only wish I had seen him one more time to let him know how proud I was of him. And I know, no matter what, he would have made me laugh!
Real Estate Hint: Although realtors work everyday except the major holidays, sometimes we just don't feel like thinking about houses to sell - like today with Hurricane Irene blowing outside my own house!
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