-Roberto Saviano
GOMMORRAH
Twenty-five years ago today, September 8, 1987
I received a most wonderful letter from Barbara Reynolds about the recent death of my father (August 29, 1987). I loved her choice of comforting words:
6 Sept. 87
WITH LOVE AND SYMPATHY
Michael,
This is a most difficult letter to write. Perhaps if I can be simple it will be easier.
When I heard last Monday about this sudden tragedy my first reactions were what a nice guy. I remembered him as…always willing to talk and be friendly. Then I began to think about you…and how you must feel. I know how you really loved him and enjoyed his stories. Then too…we haven’t really talked about your dad lately and I can only imagine that you still had a positive relationship with Joe. Any loss is not easy…but his memories will live and you I’m sure know this. Also, you know, life goes on.
I hope your mother has all the support she needs. This is probably the most difficult part…a lost partner…but there are certainly a LOT of women like her around. I mean…in the sort of situation. At least my mother knew that my dad was getting ready to die.
If there is anything I can do to help. Please let me know.
Love Barbara
PS: Home # 843-1933, Work 545-8409
The Beginnings – Part 67: COMPUTER DATING SERVICE
Monday, August 8, 1983
Well, I’m on strike. I didn’t have to picket at all today. I was assigned to the San Leandro Service Center and they chose to have that facility completely closed. It worked in my favor. I do have to picket tomorrow in Downtown Oakland from 11AM until 2PM though.
This morning I fired up a couple of pork chops. After the great home cooked meal I went to visit mom in Alameda. I persuaded her into accompanying me to Capwell’s. I had to return a shirt and I wanted to look at the brass beds.
As luck would have it I ended up buying a great looking Queen Size brass bed that came with a Chiropractic Association mattress and box spring. Hurrah! I was so tired of sleeping on a futon mat. And now that I’m moving to the townhouse it will be really nice. I’m really getting more and more excited about moving out of this San Leandro apartment.
I ended up staying at mom and dad’s house today. Dad was especially kind as he put iodine on my scraped knees. He was super nice today. It was his birthday and he turned forty-eight years old today. I wished him a ‘Happy Birthday’, of course. With all that has been going on I neglected to get him a card or gift but I know that he understands that I still love him.
John went to Carson City for a vacation getaway.
I left mom and dad’s house after watching today’s episode of THE EDGE OF NIGHT. I took a nap until 5:15PM and the weather was suddenly perfect for driving with the convertible top down.
George called and he shared the mishaps of his crappy day.
George said, “I really missed you today.”
“I missed you.”
“After I see HALL and OATES with Ken and Danny they might drop me off at your place tomorrow night.”
“That’ll be great…we can be together and I can show you the townhouse in Alameda on Wednesday!”
“Yeah, that’s great!”
“By the way…I bought a Queen-sized brass bed today.”
“Oh…did you really?”
“Yes…and there’s another surprise.”
“What?”
“You’ll find out tomorrow.”
I didn’t want to reveal to him that I shaved off my moustache once again. We’ll have to see if he recognizes me.
“I guess I can wait.”
I bet he won’t even notice. I shall see just how observant he can be tomorrow.
I left for a short bike ride across the street and back. I needed to get out for some fresh air because some nerds at some computer dating Service Company keep calling me. It’s difficult for me to hang-up on them because they keep asking me questions. I foolishly answer them, too. I finally agreed to a $1000 30-day trial membership. I think I’ll test it out and see what kind of creeps I might be matched up with based on my answers to the questionnaire. It’s not to say that I would call any of the potential matches…mind you. I’ll simply see how it goes. Well…I did it. I called a girl named Vicki Lane. She seemed pretty nice over the phone. She is only eighteen and has brown eyes and blond hair. She lives near Lake Merritt and her telephone number is 465-7838. This may prove worthwhile. Who knows?
The smile was my reward.
-Daphne du Maurier
REBECCA
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