Friday, October 11, 2013
My first memories of Lorraine were the years when she lived in Deepwood, the same neighborhood as me. Her daughter, Charlene, was one of Alexandra's, my older daughter, best friends thru the years of elementary, junior, and senior high school. She was ever thoughtful: when she and Eddie had an extra ticket I was pleased to be asked to join them to see Reba MacEntire in concert. ///
One of the funniest moments - maybe not at the time but I laugh whenever I think about it -- was when Lorraine and I were taking Charlene and Alexandra to an annual music competition to be rated on their flute playing skills. I was driving my new first automatic shift car and was not yet used to judging the speed (MPH) by 'feel.' It was very early morning on a weekend when were stopped in McLean by a police officer. He asked me for my driver's license, then, looking at it then me, asked me how much I weighed. I told him - a bit more than Lorraine expected. Lorraine, seated in the passenger seat, burst out laughing; I just cringed in my seat when she laughed (she thought I was being sarcastic she later explained). Though I was hoping for a warning, I got a ticket. ///
The years between then and when she moved back to her apartment a short walk thru the woods from my neighborhood, had only occasional interaction between us. A few years ago, I joined a small local ladies' group and invited Lorraine to join me/us when we went out for the occasional lunch or a movie which she did a few times. ///
Lorraine was a joy to be with. Always gentle and positive. She always put up a brave front, never hiding the seriousness of her illness, always answering me with a bit of a chuckle. She was patient, listened, responding to me with always an uplifting comment about an issue that was bugging me. She was so laid back. On a couple occasions before it was decided that being around people might jeopardize her immune system, we would take a walk to the shopping center behind her apartment community, Hunters Woods, once stopping at Dunkin Donuts for lunch. I took her to her medical appointments a couple times and kept her company when her other ride options were not available. ///
I enjoyed Lorraine's company. I miss her terribly. She is a joyous person (I can't say 'was'), so full of life and light. That persona is my memory. She touches my life, still.
