Day 255

Yesterday All Saints Day was celebrated at church. I took a picture of Wendell and told how he brought me to St. Paul’s and when I was singing in the choir, he would make up silly words to the hymns and make me laugh. Some of the old timers remembered him for his marvelous singing voice and rare wry humor. I still miss him. He was my best friend for almost thirty years. No walking energy afterwards.

PS

I met Wendell when I was still playing the victim role following the break up of my marriage to an alcoholic. Wendell worked in the alcohol related problems office. I was shaking when I came in and he thought I was cold but I wasn't. I was desperate and at the end of my rope. He struggled to help me and I was beyond listening at that point. He called a woman from Al-Anon who came and talked until I could hear her. That started the years of meetings and understanding until I could accept my half of the dance. Wendell took me to St. Paul's and I found an instant home there. Later, he left church saying that he found himself repeating words that I he no longer felt. We shared books and he became deeply interested in Eastern philosophies and religions. Although we were close for so many years, it was never a romantic relationship. There were people who didn't understand that a man and woman can be friends without any other agenda. My kids called him Uncle Wendell and he was included in our family gatherings. I enjoyed the visits from his children too. He was a chosen family member.