The good news is that this is not another obituary. My dearest friend Elaine is alive and well and living on the East Coast. We met in sixth grade and bonded over a report on Aristotle.
STANLEY What’s an Aristotle?
ELBEE He was a philosopher, someone with a lot of opinions about a lot of things. With his teacher Plato, he’s considered the “Father of Western Philosophy.” Hey, I dabble.
Elaine has always been there for me through the highs and lows. We have cried together. We have laughed together. Strangely we both have the unfortunate habit of laughing hysterically at totally inappropriate times. We celebrated graduations, birthdays and births. We had our first drinks together. We shopped for wedding gowns.
When my dad died on that high school morning long ago, she was the first one there. When my mom died suddenly and it took me twenty four hours to get to Syracuse by plane and then by bus, Elaine met me at the station.
She even flew out to California for my first bodybuilding show, a huge step in my recovery from that near fatal car accident.
ELBEE Also her first diva moment.
STANLEY I’ve never seen anything like that.
ELBEE Gus will explain it.
Elaine probably knows me better than anyone else in the world so after “binge reading” some of my older posts, she shared a theory that made a lot of sense to me.
ELBEE I know people are binge watching Game of Thrones but her blog?
She remembered that I’d always been an animal lover but wondered if the “happenings” in my life were a catalyst for the work I’ve been doing with the dogs. It’s a world that I can, at least, somewhat control and where the outcome is positive. Not only does it benefit me, but the people we encounter.
It was fortuitous when Charley came into my life just after I’d read an article about the program at UCLA. He taught me what was possible. He was followed by Elbee, who was a bit more work but who has shown me miracles. Then sweet Gus found his way to me. I am so grateful for his gifts. I am also deeply hopeful that this incredible journey will continue with Stanley by my side.
When Elaine and I were kids, we’d take the bus downtown to go shopping. It was a fun Saturday excursion in a simpler and safer time. I don’t remember anything either of us purchased except for two special items. We bought little matching lion charms. To this day, we each have them. When I wear mine, I think of my friendship with Elaine and the years and the miles disappear.
