New Friends among Forever Friends

      A few days later Admiral and I attended a fund raiser for Children Inc. to see Seldom Scene, whose banjo player was a college friend.   People that had blown me off chatted easily with me – because I was Admiral’s date. “I remember the time you landed your helicopter on my dock! It was most exciting.” one snooty gal exclaimed.  When I told Admiral how suddenly I was okay to talk to, he laughed and said “Sounds like ‘em.”
      We flew to Raleigh to celebrate the birthday of one of his first grade friends.  I love private flying – no rude TSA! Classmates howled as they recalled Admiral’s antics. There’s a lot to be said for one who has friends from elementary school.
      The next day we returned to Richmond in time for another of Admiral’s friend’s birthday party who goes to my church. Richmond’s small world makes life easy often.  More stories came out about midnight takeoffs to the Bahamas from Florida, how he helped people sleep because he fixed their boat air conditioning on sultry hot nights, and rendezvous in exotic places on his magnificent yachts.   Always the gentleman, he stood by quietly and smiling as people told stories on him with delight.
      The  Smart Woman’s tradition of going to the Urbanna  Oyster  Festival  with friends was coming up.  “Do I invite Admiral?  What the hey, let’s do it." I thought.   Not only did he gladly accept my invitation, he used connections to arrange a splendid parking place inside the tiny town where parking miles from the action is the procedure.  One more time he shows he’s my kind of guy. 
      Wandering through shops, looking at the sites and eating oysters is the activity.  As we chatted and strolled through an art show, he asked me what I was looking for on match. “My last first date.” I replied.  Grinning widely, he said “Me, too. “

When is 'no big deal' a big deal?

      Weeks later over dinner Smith said "Sounds like you're softening on Boats.  You're really enjoying his company now." "Yes, I am.  He's so kind and dear.  He's really a dear man.  Our conversations are so open and honest and from the heart.  No holds barred.  I call him Admiral because he's all about boats. And we agree politically." I said. "But I'm still not sure."
      During another boat outing Admiral said “There’s something I have to tell you. It’s no big deal but you need to know.”  My stomach clinched and my mind raced with all kinds of ideas about what dreaded thing he’d say.  Finally I said to my gremlin Bitch, “Silly girl, be quiet and listen.” 
      Admiral continued “Some time ago I had a cancer diagnosis. I went to the best surgeon and he told me they got it all. Seems it’s back now and I’m looking at radiation. It’s no big deal.”
      “Oh my! I’m so sorry to hear that. What can I do for you? How can I help you?” I asked. Selfishly I was relieved to know my mental gymnastics were just that.
      “I have a doctor’s appointment next week.  I’ll probably have treatments. I hate that it means I may have to be here in cold weather.  I really don’t like cold weather.” Admiral said matter of factly.
      “No one’s going to the doctor with him and that’s not right. This is big and I can’t let him go alone.  I’ll ask him if he wants me to go.  I don’t want to push in where I’m not wanted, tho” I told Kathleen, my mentor in all things single.
      Several days later I was sitting across the desk from Dr. Roundface with Admiral with a list of questions to ask in my Mother mode.  Dr. Roundface covered all points and Admiral said “When do I start? I want to leave for warm weather soon and treatments are keeping me here too long.”
      When I and friends need reinforcement, I email a prayer request to girlfriends to pray for the person and the situation.  Such a note promptly went out requesting prayers for my precious Admiral.  Kathleen’s email came back  “Precious.  Hmm.  Sounds serious.”