I managed a quick visit to the park last night after rehearsal. I was hoping to see my old friends, the ducks.
I did. That made me smile.
I lost a friend yesterday. We hadn’t been in active contact for many years, but she was a part of my life in Boston, at Boston University, and she was much too young. In the years that I lived in that old and beautiful apartment building in Cambridge, she was also a tenant, along with our friend and colleague, Judith, who managed to get both Annette and I rent-controlled apartments in that building. It was a lot of fun with all three of us residing there.
Annette was a force of nature; adventurous, fun, full of life, kind and very talented. She came to BU to train as a Voice and Speech teacher, so those of us on the Voice faculty mentored her. She became a good friend. Annette, Judith, Rick and I spent a lot of time together. We were all very close.
The morning I found out my brother died, as I sat there in my kitchen crying, I called Annette and she came running down the stairs and sat with me, holding my hand, doing her best to comfort me as I came to terms with what I had had just heard my sister tell me. I will never forget that. I will never forget her kindness and compassion that day. I needed that desperately.
She left us to take a faculty position at the University of Michigan in the Musical Theater Program. (She also had a beautiful singing voice.) She was still a member of the faculty on the day she died.
She found out she was ill very, very recently – within the last week or two – and she went very quickly. She was surrounded by her siblings. I looked at her FB page yesterday and the tributes from her students were stunning in their love for her and their appreciation for their time with her. Bless you, Annette. You were loved. You are loved. Rest in Peace.
My nephew is slowly getting better. The doctor confirmed the original diagnosis, a condition with a long name that is an infection of the intestines. It’s viral, so antibiotics will do nothing. Just time. He managed to keep down some fluids and some jello later in the day yesterday, which is a good sign. He’s still in the hospital but we’re hoping he goes home today or tomorrow. Meredith sounded better yesterday. Since he is due to leave for college soon, we’re hoping that his recovery is swift.
I also neglected to write when my favorite singer ever passed away last week. Barbara Cook was extraordinary. She was the best singer I have ever heard and I was blessed to hear her in concert three times and to meet her backstage when my colleagues Bob and Rick and I went to see her in Boston. Her autobiography, published last year, was unflinchingly honest and frank. She was the original Marian the Librarian in The Music Man. She was the lead in She Loves Me. She was the original Cunegonde in Bernstein’s Candide where she sang the coloratura Glitter and Be Gay and brought the house down. And after years of alcoholism, she turned her life around and became a cabaret singer who won the hearts of millions. She did more with the lyrics of a song than almost anyone. Her high soprano deepened with the years and a depth of life experience and pain and joy infused every song she sang. If you’ve never heard her, do yourself a favor. Listen. I can’t name a favorite because there are so many, but her recording of This Nearly Was Mine from South Pacific is heartbreakingly beautiful in its expression of love and longing and loss. Rest in Peace, Barbara.
We’re almost through with our table work – one more session early in the day tomorrow – and then Darko will start staging and I will start one-on-one coaching with the actors. I have many notes that I took during the table work and I’m anxious to tackle them.
Today is my day off, so a trip to Whole Foods is on the docket, as well as a side trip to Target. And then, maybe, some reading on a bench in the park.
Happy Monday.
sorry about the losses of friends and a favorite singer … and about the lives hurt, ended here on earth in charlottesville on saturday.
glad you were able to see the ducks, that your nephew is starting to get better, that your work is going well and that you have the day off.
will keep praying!
kathy in iowa
Me too. Thank you, Kathy.
So very sorry to hear about your friend. She is obviously much loved and will be greatly missed. Glad though too to hear about Mr 20, I hope he will soon be home again.
p.s. I meant to say before about a comment I left about Don’s great new contract and the stove, I don’t know if I explained properly that I think the stove bought the job to you (Don) and by taking that leap it made it happen. You said something similar a day or too later, but I didn’t feel I had explained myself properly in that that was what I meant! Sorry to leave that note on this post. I will shut up now!!
I totally understand what you meant, Amy! Thank you. And you don’t have to shut up!
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your friend and of your favorite singer. And also glad your nephew is doing better.
Ducks are funny. My husband and I would imitate the head bobbing that they do when we feel silly.
I know that you are really busy. I hope that you would have an opportunity to visit the Traveler’s Resturant just up the highway at Exit 1 Union, Connecticut before going into MA. I believe the bookstore is both used and antique that is just a walk across the parking lot from the diner. Also if you eat at the diner (there are some vegetarian food on menu) you get to pick out 3 books free. I’m sorry I don’t know the hours. I know that you are really busy.
I’ll try to get there if I have a day with some free time, Trina – that won’t be until later in the rehearsal period. Thanks for the reminder!
Claudia,
if the opportunity does come up and you visit –make sure to request the table so you can watch the birds.
xoxo
I feel your sadness. Losing friends and those we admire is never easy. Memories are what keep us going I think. I heard from Meredith that Mr 20 was doing better and I could tell she was relieved. It is so hard when your child is ill no matter their age. I had a good weekend and spent some times with friends, family and antiquing (which is always fun). Sending you a big hug my friend.
Glad you had a good weekend, Linda. I’m exhausted today for some reason. Too much going on, I suspect.
Losing people who affected your life always brings a thought-provoking period of time. I hope the reflections help you remember happy times. Condolences on the death of your friend. Go listen to Ms Cook sing and enjoy her voice.
Am glad your nephew is recovering. What a scary harrowing experience, especially right before the college year starts. Hope being home makes recovery more comfortable. .
I do remember very happy times. Rick and I have been talking about her, as well as Judith, and it has brought back some wonderful memories. Thanks, Wendy.
Oh Claudia! So many losses in your life all at once! I always think of friends that I haven’t heard of in many years, but they still hold a place in my heart and always will. Annette was there to help you when your brother died and I know how special that made her. And how hearing about a singer or actor that died when they held a special place in your heart can feel very close to feeling the same. And these losses will bring up memories of other love ones who have passed. Make sure some of these feelings are good ones that will bring a smile to your face also.
I am sending a prayer for your nephew that he is well on the way to a complete healing and that he will feel great when he starts school.
Enjoy your work. And your park is beautiful. I have a free day with nothing ahead of me. I am going to put sheets in the wash and iron some nice, heavy white paper that some mugs were wrapped and sent through the mail. The paper is so nice, I can’t toss it. Will iron and roll it. Crazy old me. I want to think of something creative for it. Maybe let my 13 year old granddaughter make pictures for me. I love her drawings.
He is doing better today, Tana. I heard from Mere this morning. Apparently, it will take 2 or 3 weeks for him to fully rebound. Hopefully, he’ll come home today or tomorrow.
How do you iron the paper?
I am sorry for your losses. It seems that we are both at that time in life when we frequently are grieving the loss of someome who touched our life. I guess that it is a touchstone that reminds us of how fleeting our time really is.
That is good news about your nephew! I am sure that you are all relieved.
Peace
Yes. We need to be in the present and live each day fully. Annette did that.
Thank you, Carolyn Marie.
I’m sorry for your losses. Life will break your heart, for sure. Only the memories of the happy times can get us through it. Your park view looks lovely today. Water always calms me. Hope it does you, too. Reading under the trees sounds pretty good from here. Hoping your nephew continues to improve.
It sure will break your heart. It got pretty hot today, so I didn’t read under the trees. I read on the sofa and fell asleep! Thanks, Shanna.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Claudia. Very glad to hear your young nephew is slowly improving. Tranquil photos to accompany your thoughts today.
I’m wiped out today. I ran my errands, came back to the apartment and fell asleep on the sofa. I think the stress hitting all of us daily is taking its toll.
So sorry for your loss of a dear friend. That was so fast from the diagnosis until she passed. I think most of us, especially as we grow older, look at that as a blessing. I don’t think it is easy any way it happens. And so very happy your nephew is turning the corner. Being young is certainly on his side. We will keep him and your family in thoughts and prayers.
Hope you enjoy your day off. A trip to TJ’s and Target is always a bit of fun and diversion. A good thing on a Monday….. especially this Monday.
I have thought about that – the last few days of her life she was under heavy pain meds and didn’t really know what was going on, I suspect. But it only helps a little to know that. Thanks, Chris.
I am so very sorry to read of the recent loss in your life. Sometimes life can be too much to swallow and walk through. I’m sending good thoughts and prayers to you.
Glad to hear that your nephew is doing better. Hoping that his recovery is a very swift one.
Have a most blessed day.
Thank you, Belinda. Mr. 20 is doing better.
Sorry to hear about your friend. May Annette rest in peace. Glad that your nephew is getting better, since he can eat a little that is always a good sign. Sorry about the passing of Barbara Cook. She was a talented lady and performer. When my favorite singer,Eydie Gorme’ passed away I few years ago ,I cried.I had never net Ms.Gorme’,but I have most of her albums and thought she was the greatest.
Marilyn
I loved Eydie Gorme, as well. She was a wonderful singer.
Poor Claudia. You’ve just been walloped with crud lately. Your nephew, Charlottesville, now your Boston friend & the great Barbara Cook. My mother trained me to avoid using the following word if I could help it, but I just think it’s THE most appropriate word for right now. This STINKS! Deepest condolences & virtual hugs for your friend Annette. I know it doesn’t help, but at least she didn’t have to endure a long awful decline being sick. May the Force be with her. SO glad to hear improving news about your nephew. Do they know how he got that rotten virus? Is it just some weird spontaneous thing? If so, that’s terrifying. Hope he’s back to 100% right ASAP. Immediately even! And hey – be sure to take care of yourself too. 💛
The virus just happens. It doesn’t come from anything. It apparently hits children and young adults. Horrible. He’s really been through so much, that poor boy. Thanks, Janet.
I don’t know what to say. There’s nothing profound I can say, but I thought about these two women you mentioned, checked out Barbara Cook’s YouTube videos so I could think about what she accomplished and thought about your friend’s ability to console a person who needed consoling. You made these two real to people who had never met them. I’m wishing your nephew a quick healing, too.
Thank you for those kind words, Linda.
Hi…I am sorry to read such sad news this afternoon on your blog~I feel your pain and know in time it will fade some but your wonderful memories of Annette will always be alive and with you always…wonderful to hear of your nephews healing tho and I am so happy for that! Hugs to you!Take care!!
Thank you, Carol!
As we age and start to lose old friends so many memories come rushing back to us…it seems the same with entertainers that we loved also…I hope Mr 20 is doing well…I do believe that I need to find a nice peaceful park to sit and read in too…My mind and soul are begging me!
Find peace wherever you can, Nancy!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. But, I’m heartened to hear your nephew is improving. Hope you managed to find distractions at Target and Trader Joe’s! ;)
I did. Then I came home and crashed!
Sending lots of positive vibes to you as you mourn the loss of your friend. She sounded like such a good person.
Am glad your nephew is doing better! Sending prayers his way for sure!
Please tell Don we were in his grandfathers’s (I think) part of the state this weekend… Atoka, Pushmataha, Choctaw, and Mc Curtain counties in OK.
And you never know a person until you hear them speak. We thought at the park we visited, that a large group of Choctaws were gathering . So nice, looked like they were having lots of fun. We went into a nature center, and a group of the folks came in there! Turns out they were from Mexico instead! Hola!
Have a good tomorrow! Becky in OK
I will pass that info along to Don. Choctaw County is definitely where his dad grew up.
Hola!
I hope your nephew is doing better. My daughter has been suffering from stomach pains and they think it might be an infection in the intestines. May I ask what the condition is called that your nephew was diagnosed with?
I don’t know the name, Kathleen. Meredith might know it. You could try asking her via a comment on her blog: mereknits-mereknits@blogspot.com
So sorry to hear about your losses, Claudia. I lost a former roomie this past year, too, and it’s sad, and certainly a reminder to cherish every moment of every day. I have been out of touch and didn’t know about Mere’s son, so need to hop over to her blog. Glad to know he’s improving, that’s for sure. I also need to catch up on what you’ve been up to. Big hugs.
I don’t think Mere has had one moment in which to write about her son on her blog, Judy.