The greatest love story

Chapter 9

Are you superstitious about anything? Used to be- very.

What is it?

Used to believe in broken mirrors etc. but now I'm superstitious in a positive way, I believe that dreams and wishes do come true. Superstition is some distorted sense of the universal law of action and reaction. Whatever you do on this side of the universe will affect something near or far.

Did you know you're incredible sexy? Hmmmmmmmm.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I wish I could speak more eloquently and describe myself and thoughts better. (Do I only get one thing?) I wish I was stronger physically and had lots of energy.

I wish I was enlightened, now.

Name five things that make you happy.

1. babies

2. surprising someone with an unexpected treat

3. being near family and/or loved ones....

4. meeting a challenge and succeeding

5. I get a great thrill singing in choirs with lots of voices and/or instruments.

Did you like playing golf?

Yes, it was fun, good exercise, good company and good test of skill.

Do you like dancing in the morning? Sure-with you

Do you believe there is life on other planets?

Yes. I don't think God would have wasted all his intelligence and ideas only on this little speck of the universe. I hope s/he is having better luck with his/her design on some other worlds.

same way?

I guess I'll keep my mustache a little longer, but I may try shaving it off someday, just for the change. What is Doodle-bug?

I've never been the slightest bit superstitious about anything. When I was younger I used to relish walking behind black cats, under ladders, I've even broken a few mirrors (old ones with the silver coming off the back). I guess I mocked superstitions. I still have a great respect for the unknown.

I think we are descended from apes, and the six days of creation took billions of years. We are certainly not the most fittest to survive on this planet. The salamanders, some insects, and many plants are far more adaptable and resistant to change than we. If we pollute our planet to an uninhabitable condition, they will survive, not us. We change/adapt too slow. We do have the intellect to keep our species alive for a while on earth (before the sun dies out in ten billion years), if we use it. I think that the 10-15% of our DNA that we can understand a use for is only a small part of what is necessary to for us to be born, grow up, and die.

Thank you for stopping in MD to see us. I'm glad I had the chance to whisper in your ear that I love you. I didn't get to do that last November (well maybe on the last day). Your pumpkin pie was so delicious; I could taste the love and care you put into it. At 10:07pm last night-You hit me over the head with a warm feeling. Was that really you? I hope Miriam didn't notice my deep sigh.

I'll see you in about two weeks! I think we should celebrate our Christmas early again this year. I hope we can listen to Christmas music again -together. Sent with LOTS of love, Me close together.

Grace writes back just after Thanksgiving...

(A card with Ogden the elephant on the front swinging from the sun with a bouquet of flowers in his hand-smiling. Test says

"Memories are little smiles put away for safekeeping")

(Inside text reads - "And I keep ours close to my heart.")

11-27-90

"All comes at the proper time to him who knows how to wait" Saint Vincent DePaul.

That's what is on the bottle top of my all-natural lemonade. Fitting for today. I thought that I should not act until today because 11-27-90 has some coherence in the numbers-?? (what the *:?# is she talking about you are saying to yourself.) I had been overduely (as usual) worrying about who would be where on Jan 4th. So this morning I spoke to Howard + discouraged his attendance. Felt like a rotten egg because I know he would have, and we would have, enjoyed the trip. Turns out that this companion flight business isn't applied over the holidays... I was seeking divine counsel on this one and if a similar scenario comes up again I wouldn't know what to do, but you must not feel left out, or take it personally, if I sometimes must honor my familial + martial priorities. Because that's what we have to do. (And want to do) SO far, someone is still on our side. Looking forward to a good January... I love you...

Her letter continues later....

Dec 2 1990

Well, blew it again.

I talked to Mariam at your house, but not you.

Sometimes I start feeling awkward about things and just stick my head in the mud. I did want to talk to you but couldn't get the courage to ask for you. Sorry. I got your beautiful card with your picture included. Thank-you. are you sure you don't work for Hallmark on the side and write all these cards? They sound just like your/our words. The picture is very good. You smile with your eyes. The picture says a lot. I tried to imagine you without your mustache. Maybe? Just wear a red carnation on your lapel so I would recognize you again. Sometimes I wonder how I ever deserve your love and attention. Sometimes I feel like I don't give you enough in return.

I don't write to you as much as I should, or as much as you do. I think of you plenty! but you don't get thoughts in your mailbox. You are always so kind, loving, gentle and patient. I feel so scattered by comparison.

It is 10:00 now. Since it is rainy outside, I will stay right here, and talk to you. It's hard to imagine you and Howard in the same house right now. That gives me a great big pinch in my heart. On one hand, because I wish I was there too. On the other hand, you should really get to know each other. You are both very much the same. Both Leo's. Both strong, but sweet. But I am not to compare you two. I'll stop there. And I better stop here for the evening. Get some rest. Study a wee little bit. Blow a few kisses. Sleep tight. Love you.

I wrote back several days later...to answer the same questions that I had Asked Grace...

Today is: December 13, 1990,

I know you seen these questions before Since you asked, I've added my answers, were they good questions?

Would you go snorkeling with me sometime? Definitely, we'll have to find a way to do this!

With only your snorkel? Definitely (with a mask and sunscreen)

Have you changed the way you think about yourself in the past year? Yes, I'm generally more self-confident, less self-centered and a generally happier person inside, and I think I'm getting younger.

Do you sometimes wish you were somebody different? No, I'm too fortunate and happy.

Did you ever have a nickname? None generally, except "Rich"

How you ever played an organized sport? Yes, I've been on softball, baseball, track (pole vaulting), basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams.

Are you superstitious about anything? No

What is it? N/A

Did you know you're incredible sexy? Thank you, you're the first person to say that, but I blame you for making me.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? I wish I could understand things a lot better, and that my memory would improve a lot, especially the short term memory.

Name five things that make you happy. Having a happy family. Accomplishment of a worthwhile task.

Peer acceptance in my profession. Being with you. Giving of myself to help other people.

Did you like playing golf?

Yes, I wish I could play much more than I do, especially if YOU could join me for a round or two on a sunny day.

Do you like dancing in the morning? Definitely. I wish I could dance every morning with you. Care to dance?

Do you believe there is life on other planets? In all probability there is.

Do you know how beautiful you looked in the moonlight?

I didn't want that evening to end. I had never imagined such feelings existed.

You fill my senses.... with many beautiful things. And bring a whole lot of sunshine into my life. Bless you, my dear. I decided to send this early so the thoughts wouldn't get cold by next Friday. I'll probably have new thoughts by then anyway to tell you. Everything has worked out so smoothly for this month and next. I'll only get to see you for two or three more days in 1990. It was a wonderful year with many memories. I hope 1991 will be as happy. My eyes will be very itchy at your house, but it will be good to see you. See you soon. I'll be watching from seat 14A as I land. Until then, remember I love you and I'm willing to celebrate Christmas a little early this year just to be with you (they are not sure of the exact date anyway December 14th. me it could be

Grace writes back on the last day of 1990.

(A Christmas card for 1990 Front is a snowy main street of a small town -carolers, people shopping, Christmas tree, old fashioned storefronts - text read 'Thinking of you") (

Inside says 'Thinking of you adds so much to the happiness of the

the Potomac

50. Standing on a rainy upper deck floating on the Potomac, holding you.

51. Escaping to Room 919 to meditate with you

52. Receiving a box of Lindt chocolates for our anniversary.

53. Picnic dinners with you.

54. Seeing you in short pants for the first time. The "Nike" ones were hot.

55. Getting "chapped lips" and taking "water breaks"

56. Watching you from across the room at a scientific meeting.

57. A happy birthday surprise lunch at Tanglewoods!!

58. Trying to sleep, thinking of you across the hall at my house.

59. Walking in a sun-splashed woods at Umsted Park.

60. Seeing you through a heavy glass window when our families are near.

61. A warm, dreamy, wet picnic in Duke Forest on a hot summer day.

62. Saying 'hello' at your door after a long time apart.

63. Giving you 12 red roses for the very first time, and meaning every petal.

64. Dancing/listening to 'Unexpected Journeys' in your living room.

65. Warm and steamy showers on hot September nights.

66. Holding you so close under the moonlight on your deck.

67. Drifting off to sleep with you so near.

68. Paddling a canoe across University Lake in the hot sun.

69. Picnicking on the Lake in a rocking canoe.

70. Meditating with you on a Saturday morning next to your

bed.

71. Driving that long drive back to Maryland, still feeling wonderful.

72. Feeling your presence in our guest room.

73. Carrying this little blue marble in my pocket everywhere I go.

74. Writing poetry to you at night on my computer at home.

75. An indescribably beautiful "Thank-you" note and

photo...BIG SIGH!.

76. Many, many beautiful cards and letters.

77. Waiting for 9, 11, and 4 o'clock phone calls at work.

78. Seeing your letters in my mailbox and wishing you were inside.

79. Reaching out with a single ring on the phone to touch each other.

80. Trying to remember all the wonderful moments with you..Hmmm.... ..

81. Early morning wakeups at your house....

82. A midnight visit when I was half sleeping, half dreaming...

83. Playing golf with you on a sunny fall day.

84. Dancing in the morning to "Somewhere".

85. Sleeping directly below you and wishing I was 10 feet higher.

86. Sitting in Duke Chapel praying for God to bless us.

87. Listening to the angels sing. A sign of HIS blessing?

88. Wearing your blue scarf in Duke Gardens under our tree..

89. Seeing you in the colored light of the National Cathedral.

90. Walking with you through the National Zoo

91. Holding hands in front of our computer giving "thanks".

92. Seeing you wave goodbye from your or Casey's upstairs window.

93. Sitting in front of our fireplace with you.

94. Seeing you on 52 days this year (but missing you in January and August).

95. Sending you strength, encouragement, and love for your GRE's on 2 Saturdays.

96. A most wonderful "Could be-Christmas Day" with you.

97. Hearing 140 angel voices at Duke Chapel with you.

98. Listening to the Duke Carillon Bells with Christmas lights and you.

99. A warm friendly meal with good friends at the Aurora

100. A wintery stroll in Umstead to "inspiration point"

101. Driving under the influence of love, as you put your head under my coat and kissed me while I was driving...