Set the way back machine for Holiday Office Party, December '03. A chance to do my favorite things. Imbibe at an open bar, talk about work incessantly and meet the spouses and significant others of those co-workers who may or not realize that they have become very near and dear to your heart.
Two hours, and several cocktails, had passed and I had met some great people. As I am in sales I "worked the room" and shook a lot of hands. I met every employee regardless of employment status or position. I was on top of my game. But I was looking forward to meeting the boyfriend of one of my favorite co-workers. Sweet Madeline.
Fiftyish, petite with a warm embracing demeanor she is adored by all. A truly great co-worker whose contributions are matched only by her presence as a friend. So I was tremendously eager to see what kind of guy my recently divorced friend would date. Along comes Madeline with Greg in tow. She pushed us together and said "Greg, this is the guy I have been telling you about."
He said "based upon what I have heard we are going to get along pretty well" and we shook hands.
He pointed to my tie and then looked at Madeline and said "Did you put him up to this?" My tie prominently displayed one of my personal idols...Mr Foghorn Leghorn of Warner Brothers fame.
"No I did not" she replied. But I see where this is going. "If you'll excuse me i'm going to get a Martini. And I suspect that you two won't even notice that I'm gone in a moment or two". As it turns out Foghorn is also Greg's favorite cartoon character. (The Foghorn thing has layers with me; I was once told that with my confident demeanor and large frame I strut around like a Rooster in a Henhouse). Anyways, an immediate bond was formed
Madeline knew us well enough to know that we would be fast friends, and she was right. To the chagrin of my wife and Madeline, and to the amusement of my co-workers who could see that I had indeed found a like-minded soul we talked for hours. Not nomally one to seek out those who agree with me, it was amazing just how similarly we viewed Politics, Sociology, Business, etc. It was actually sort of scary. It was a great night. We promised to stay in contact. And we did. When I inquired of Madeline his wellness, I joked "how is my boyfriend?"
Unfortunately, Madeline and Greg split up. And they didn't even consider my thoughts on this at all. So I sort of lost contact with Greg for awhile. I knew that they would get back together eventually. And they did .
Two weeks ago I got a call at 9:00 PM on my cell. It was my CEO. "I just wanted to let you know that Greg died tonight. They found him dead on his kitchen floor." A autopsy would reveal a massive aneurism shot to his brain while he was tying his shoes.
I was crushed. For Madeline. For me as his friend. In general. For Foghorn.
Of course I went to the wake, and the Funeral. And to the house to grieve with the family. To comfort my good friend. She just needed some time. She's a tough one.
Friday afternoon Madeline walked up to me and handed me a package. "I have something for you".
"What is it, a Foghorn Leghorn doll?" A feeble attempt to let her know that I still think of Greg. "She looked at me so very strange and said "just open it".
Inside several rolls of Sunday Comics (how fitting) and tissue paper was a Foghorn Leghorn drinking glass. Not just any glass you see, but from the 1973 Burger King Warner Brothers promotion. And wouldn't you know that I have in my cupboard the Bugs, Porky, Roadrunner, and Tweety from that very collection. I looked at her in amazement and said "this is unequivocally the greatest gift I've gotten in years. Thank you."
"He would've wanted you to have it" she said. "I want you to have it. His kids were cleaning out the house and when I saw that glass I had to get it for you."
It may be a just a glass to some, but ot me it is a whole lot more. Rest, I say, rest in peace dear Friend. "