Lisa Laird, 6-12-01, 611 words
Lisa's Lair
By Lisa Laird
IPS Features
“Positively Gary”
Every
once in a while, I’ve been fortunate enough to have an extra special person
enter my life. These precious
individuals have been few and far in between.
Unfortunately, for each heart of gold unveiled, there have been at least
one hundred as transparent as tracing paper.
And they’ve all thrown themselves in the waste paper basket of crumbled
friendships. However, the rare gems
have come along and added sparkle to my life.
One of my “one in at least a hundred” was a
gentleman named Gary, the co-worker of a friend of mine.
As a result of general conversation, it was discovered that Gary and I
shared a number of common interests. Among
them were Oldies music and baseball, particularly the New York Yankees.
We began exchanging CDs, videotapes, various upcoming concert
information, and baseball game programs…all by means of our mutual friend.
Several years ago, I was tuning in the radio and came
across the voice of singer Bob Dylan. I
immediately found the lyrics deeply meaningful and wondered about the song’s
title. I paid a visit to the local
record shop and viewed title after title on album after album; none seemed
fitting. After the useless search,
I asked my friend to relay a few of the lines to Gary; perhaps he could inform
me of the correct title. Within a
matter of days, the record was in my possession, compliments of Gary.
In a million years, I would never have guessed the song’s title as
“Positively 4th Street.”
I played the record over and over again, carefully
listening to the message revealed through the lyrics. I instantly thought of countless names and faces who sadly
matched the description perfectly, all the frauds who labeled themselves as
friends throughout the years. I
reflected upon the significance of the record originating from Gary and passed
along to me, symbolizing the insincere many who interact with and impact the
sincere few. If you’ve never
listened to the song, really listened to the song, I suggest that you do.
There are two additional songs that will always be a
reminder of Gary, as well. They are
both remakes recorded on a Johnny Maestro CD that was given to me.
The songs’ titles are, “The Way You Look Tonight” and “My Special
Angel.” Ironically, Gary and I
never met; we never even caught a glimpse of one another.
And in a certain sense, I regard him as my special angel, for that’s
how he’s remembered.
Gary passed away as a result of cancer, which he battled
with for many years. He was fifty-
three years old at the time of his death. I
regret to this day that I never met him in person, although there was always the
intention…someday. Whenever
“Positively 4th Street” is playing and I envision all the phonies
who have lessened my faith in humanity, I remind myself of Gary, and my faith is
renewed. I only wish we had the
chance to exchange a few smiles, talk baseball, and without doubt, discuss
“Positively 4th Street.”
Wishing is important when planning one’s future, but
completely useless when reviewing the past.
So, do not wait one more minute to go and tell the special people in your
life how much you love them, on whatever level it may be.
Be sure to always reinforce affection through your actions.
Do not ever take for granted that the “appropriate” time will present
itself in the future; express your thankfulness and appreciation TODAY. Life is much too short,
And no amount of wishing brings back yesterday.
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