No pictures today. Not even a rerun. Well, maybe a rerun… from March 2002. Which was a rerun from 1956 or 1957.
I always enjoyed teasing Carlton about being the “Biggest Lover” at what was essentially a boys school.
Took the bus down to the asylum today. Looked at 6 or 7 apartments. Visited with some of the residents. One of them, is YOUNGER than I am. She said there are several residents who are younger than she is. That is the upside. Downside, no way any of the apartments that I really like will be available in my lifetime. I am like number 40 to 76 on various apartment waiting lists. Time for “Plan B”.
Tomorrow – I am going to, once again take public transit to Maryland. Two metros, one bus, a little walk. I am going to Maryland because some of Carlton’s friends are dedicating a rock to him. I am supposed to speak for 3 minutes. I do not speak. I do standup.
How is this:
Hello, my name is Peggy and I am Carlton’s Last wife. I am happy that the famous “boss who confronted Carlton with about his drinking in January 1973” Thank you for coming today, Cliff.
Carlton had a personal hero, Theodore Roosevelt. I have a personal heroine, Alice Roosevelt Longworth. Alice said of her father TR, “He wanted to be the baby at every christening, the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral.” That describes Carlton.
So, Carlton – you are sharing today with Chris, deal with it.
How to remember Carlton. His little book. The duct tape is his. The red ribbon is mine. He started every single day of his life with this book. Upto and including his last day.
How do I talk with new prospects? Am I always trying to dominate the conversation? Do I lay down the law and tell prospects what they will have to do? Do I judge them privately and feel that they have a small chance of making the program? Do I belittle them to myself? Or am I willing to bare my soul as to get them talking about themselves? And, then, am I willing to be a good listener, not interrupting, but hearing them out to the end? Do I feel deeply that they are my brothers or my sisters? Will I do all I can to help them along the path to sobriety?
You were Carlton’s family. To his Hawaiian AA family “ohana” and he would say, Aloha, malama pono, a hui hou kākou. My love to you, care for each other, until we meet again.
Thank you.