AN UPDATE

On April 10 I posted a blog about finding a profile on FaceBook of a friend from 69 years ago.  I mentioned that we would have lunch soon and I would share an update after the lunch. 

Well, we met for lunch this week, in Lebanon just a few blocks down from our old homes.  I arrived at the restaurant first and sat in my car in the parking lot cause I got there about 20 minutes early.  I was watching as folks went in, knowing I would recognize Marilyn from her profile photo.  Ann was also joining us but I would not recognize her. 

A few minutes before our meet time I went in, wandered around, didn’t see Marilyn so went back to the front and there stood a woman, about the right age, who was also waiting by the front door.  I asked if she was Ann and she smiled and said yes.  We hugged, started to visit and then were seated, waiting for Marilyn. 

We visited for about 10 minutes and then Ann wondered where Marilyn was, cause she “Is always on time.”  We both looked at our phones, and she was waiting for us on the porch of the restaurant.  Ann went and gathered her up and the visit began.  Before it got far, I stopped Marilyn and said, “I have to ask you a question!”  She paused and looked like she was scared to hear what I was going to ask.  I smiled back and said “I have a memory, that your birthday is May 10.  Do I remember that right?”  She started laughing, “How in the world do you remember that??!!”  It’s been 69 years and for some reason, as I was thinking about this lunch gathering, her birthday came to my mind.  Don’t ask, I have no idea. 

We had a lovely lunch.  All three of us talked sharing memories.  How long they lived in our neighborhood before they moved on, etc.  Their current lives.  It was a wonderful follow-up. 

Marilyn still lives in Lebanon, which is what Facebook noted, and is a widow, has adult children and grandchildren.  Ann lives in Clifton, is also a widow and takes OLLI classes like I do at Univ. of Cincinnati. 

I wish I had thought to have a photo taken of the three of us, but I was too wrapped up in the moment to think of it.  We didn’t make any follow-up plans, but I hope we do.  It would definitely be fun to stay in touch.