Several programs on tv have been remembering the notables who have passed. Many of them I have known about or heard of since I was young. Writers. Musicians. Singers. Inventors. Scientists. Astronauts.
I grew up with parents who embraced the music of the forties
and fifties. For many years now, I have enjoyed listening to these vocalists on
Sirius XM, Simply Frank. Tony Bennett was one of them.
Handsome had a surgery and after one particular time, I knew his birthday was approaching and had no gift. Then I read Tony Bennett would be appearing at a local venue. I bought tickets. Of course, his voice was not as strong—he was ninety. But he gave a great show and even twirled. We were thrilled and would have stayed longer.
Time passed. I went to a writing convention in New York
City. I arrived a day early so I could go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As
I exited an exhibit hall, I saw something like a hidden elevator, and several
men exited, one of whom was Tony Bennett. The man behind me yelled, “Hey,
Tony.” Tony smiled and waved. I was super excited and immediately texted
Handsome.
I also note the passing of Dr. Harry Markowitz. Dr.
Harry—what I called him—did work with Handsome. One time he hosted an event at
his office and we went. We sat on a sofa in the reception area with him. Our
talk wandered to his receiving the Nobel Prize for his work in Economics. Dr.
Harry picked up the award from the side table and said, “It’s a replica.” I
studied the circular-shaped award, noting the heft, and then handed it back.
Afterward, we had dinner and enjoyed a chamber orchestra program. As we walked
to our car at the end of the evening, I remarked how exciting it was to see
even a replica of a Nobel Prize. Handsome said, “That was the real thing.”
To complete the circle of life, I have a new granddaughter.
And another coming near the end of January. That is a whole lot of joy. I can’t
wait to see them grow and what they will look like.
May your 2024 bring many blessings.
