Awhile back. Pretty far back, I met this guy online. It was 1998. I was 44 and he was. Yikes. 33.
I was the hippie type that I am. He was a Navy pilot.
I was New Age-y from Northern California. He was Southern Baptist from Tennessee.
He wore a Navy Seal ring and I wore a ring on my toe.
I was smitten with his drawl. I loved being called Sugar. And could he make me laugh.
He was taken by my spirituality. He always said I was what the Native Americans called a “True Human Being.” And could I make him laugh.
The physical attraction probably heated the world some.
We dated for about six months and I fell head over heels. He fell some too, but nothing like how I fell. I fell in a way that still leaves me wondering how in the world it happened.
There was something about an exwife. It ended a little bit. He moved away, then it ended a lot. I took a very long time to get over it. In my right mind I knew he was dangerous for my own well-being. He brought me to my knees. Women like me don’t get brought to their knees very often. I didn’t like being there.
But, got over it I did. I crawled back up. Finally.
Years went by and I moved away too. And then facebook was born and brought us together again as old friends. And that’s what we are today, when he called to ask me to go and take a look at a rental house for him. He’s in Tennessee visiting his family, but moving back to California from Colorado to go back to USF for a Master’s degree in something. I didn’t think to ask what, or if I did awhile back, I forget.
It was 80 degrees and sunny after a week of cold rain. I was in a great mood so I said sure, and took a drive over to Santa Rosa to meet the landlord and take a look, while giving her an in person, personal reference. He asked me not to beat him up too bad. I didn’t. But I did have the landlady laughing with my story before I left and I think she really liked the him that I described. We’ll see.
Perfect tenant. Boyfriend, not so perfect. Bygones are bygones.
On my way out of my door I grabbed my camera, because I knew the sun would be sinking in the West and I had the time and space to stop and photograph some.
Here are a few of the shots I got on the 18 mile drive:
It's a beautiful valley, anyone would want to move back.
I drove up Highway 12 from Sonoma to Santa Rosa with my window rolled down, hair blowing, a smile in my heart. A smile because of the beautiful day and the freedom of my hair blowing next to a rolled down window and because I felt peace with another human being. A peace that had to come full circle.
Mrs. Robinson came on the radio and it made me laugh out loud.
Maybe one day, a long time ago, I was Mrs. Robinson.
Mrs. Robinson,
You are loved. You were then and you are now. The love may be less passionate and the world may not be as hot as as it once was...but, make no mistake, you are deeply loved, my friend. Thank you for what you did for me. Oh, and for going to view the rental for me yesterday as well. ;) Here's to you.
A retired Navy pilot.
Posted by: Michael | June 08, 2011 at 07:14 AM
I just read this and my heart smiled, too. I don't know if you're familiar with Story People, but they are precious little truths disguised as art. I subscribe to the Story of the Day, and this morning's story was,
"Fast forwarding through her messages hoping to hear from old boyfriends who finally realize the treasure they've thrown away."
Smiling at the thought of all of this. xo
Posted by: Vickie | June 08, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Loved this and love you for checking on me and my family. We're all fine and I'm getting ready to post something tomorrow.
Funny how those old loves can stay with you (and sometimes live in your dreams) -- and looking back, we know that Mrs. Robinson was much more sensual and sexual than her daughter could be. Now, all that and wisdom, too! Here's to you!
Posted by: Annie Joy | June 09, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Oh, Mare. And apologies again, Michael, for a long ago insulting email I wish I'd never hit "reply all" to, firing it off to a bewildered and total stranger! I was never so humbled. :/ What grace there is in the world. :)
XOXOXO Love,
Lisa (who has also been a Mrs. Robinson, and can SO relate.)
Posted by: Lisa | June 11, 2011 at 02:17 PM
OMG!!! This was THEE BEST story. Marianne - you tell a story like no other, 'cept maybe your daughter. I simply loved this. That's all i can say. I loved it. And the guy commented w/such powerful words!!! Sigh... so romantic.
Posted by: tracey k in ohio | June 14, 2011 at 10:13 AM
PS: Duh! your neck o'the woods is beautiful!!! meant to say that before, but got caught up in....Mrs. Robinson.
Posted by: tracey k in ohio | June 14, 2011 at 11:05 AM