John Wayne's Granddaugher

"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway."
Actor John Wayne,
b. May 26, 1907, d. June 11, 1979

Diary Notes/Photos July 9-15^th

July 9, 1988

Needless to say, I was nervous and anxious.   I was all excited for tomorrow and my date with Laura Munoz.  I’ll see her in just twenty-four hours.

July 10, 1988

After work I showered and shined in preparation for my big date.   I confirmed her address last night and found a Victorian-like house in Berkeley.   One of her friends must’ve been looking out of the window because Laura came out of the house as soon as she saw me drive up in my black Mustang.  

We went for a drive around Alameda, showing her where I went to high-school.   I also explained the three sections of the west side near Webster Street, the central part of Park Street and the hidden neighborhood enclave of Harbor Bay Island (where I live).  

We went to Harbor Bay Landing for a bite to eat at the Ice Cream Dock (they don’t just serve ice-cream).  It was casual and nice to be near the lagoons and houses.

“Let me show you where I live, you won’t believe how close it is.”
“Okay, that’ll be nice.   I had no idea this area existed,” said Laura.

“I’ve heard Newport Beach is really nice.”
“Yes, it is.  I really miss it sometimes.”
“Well, school will be over and you’ll be back.   I’ll have to visit you.  I've never been there.”
“Yeah, that would be fun.  You would love it.”
"That's what I hear."

I drove to my townhouse in a matter of minutes and showed her my pad.  

I grabbed my Polaroid and said, “Oh wait, I have to snap a picture of YOU.”
She posed a bit and gave me that luscious smile.   I loved her combination of pink and green colors.
PHOTO:   Laura Munoz, John Wayne's Granddaughter

 

I took her upstairs to the bedroom.   I showed her my bedroom.
She looked at the wall adjacent to my bed to see my life-sized poster.
“Oh My God…that’s my granddaddy!”
“What?   Are you kidding me?”
“Yes, he’s my granddaddy.”
“That’s wild.   Do you know why I have that poster of him on my wall?”
“No, why?”
“Well, we are born on the same day, May 26th!”

I thought I had scored miraculous points with her.   When would she ever meet a man born on the same day as her granddaddy, John Wayne?   I couldn’t believe she was John Wayne’s granddaughter.   Apparently, John Wayne was married to three Hispanic women:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne 
 

PHOTO:  The Young John Wayne

He was married to his first wife, Josephine Alicia Saenz, from 1933-1945 and they had four children:

Michael Wayne
Maria Antonia Wayne LaCava
Patrick Wayne
Melinda Wayne Munoz
Laura’s mother was Melinda Wayne-Munoz.  Needless to say, I was surprised.   We watched a bit of TV but she had classes the next day, so we cut the night short.   I drove her back to Berkeley.   While parked at the curb of her house I gave a quick peck of a kiss.
“So, when can I see you again?”
“Call me.”
“Okay…I will.  Have a good night.” 
She smiled 'that smile'.
I couldn’t wait to see her again.  

 

 

July 15, 1988

 

I kept calling Laura.  Her calls are being screened by her college roommates.   I am beginning to get the message that she doesn't want to see me again.   Why?   What did I do wrong?   I will call her again in a few days.   It's her last chance.   She won't even answer the voice messages I leave.  It's annoying.  I don't understand it.

"I've had three wives, six children and six grandchildren and I still don't understand women"

-Actor John Wayne,
b. May 26, 1907, d. June 11, 1979