Not Yet in the Third Person

Earl.

I cannot yet speak of you in the third person, as if you are not here. When are any of us really ready to do that, with the people we love?

But I know I must. And I know you will understand.

You know what I liked about you? You, a writer, born in NYC, had the humor and storytelling gifts to prove it. And you married one of my best friends, Phyll, as you knew she would always keep you laughing.

You loved your wife, and your kids. And their kids. You also liked your work, and your dog. You had the courage and smarts to take on The New York Times Crossword Puzzle in INK.

I am not worthy.

You, a New Yawk-ah, were a man with a job that brought you status, but that is not who you were. I will remember you as song. There was a dinner at my apartment way back when, and, as usual, I bought out the guitar after we had all eaten, and you sat on a stark wooden piano bench next to me, and we sang:

"Does your mother know you're out, Cecilia?
And does she know that I'm about to steal ya ..."

I liked your simplicity. People with natural class don't need stuff or status or things that are unimportant.

You sat on that bench, and sang. I watched you, and knew you were happy in your life.

I think of your sons, Brian and Richard. I know they miss you terribly. And you know why they do? It is because they enjoyed your company. That is a fact. They liked their father, as well as loved him.

Good for you, Earl.

Comments

[Genie]

As someone who very much enjoys my father's company, my heart goes out to Brian and Richard. Thanks for the post, Mary -- it's good to meet such a wonderful man through your writing.

[Toni]

Beautiful post, Mary. Thank you for sharing Earl with those of us who didn't have the pleasure of knowing him. I know that he is, was and will always be a wonderful man in the hearts of all who know/knew him.

[Toni]

Beautiful post, Mary. Thank you for sharing Earl with those of us who didn't have the pleasure of knowing him. I know that he is, was and will always be a wonderful man in the hearts of all who know/knew him.

[Larry]

I will always remember Earl as the guy whose lap I sat on, the numerous times we did "Sonny Boy". We even won a talent show with it. He knew the words to every obscure song ever written. Exaggeration??? Not really.He knew the words to "Stiff Upper Lip", one of George Gershwins'less notable tunes.Doing a show with Earl was always more fun than effort.

[Miriam Rothchild]

I did not know Earl except to say hello but my husband did know Earl and worked with him on the stage. They played off of each other beautifully and came across in the rolls that they were playing. Not every amature actor can say the same.