We Who

6’5” and still erect, Howard was “The flavor of the month” when he arrived at our small but elite Senior Condo. A monocle and distinctive goatee definitely added to his charm and mystique.

He could easily have been the inspiration for the character Ted Danson portrays in the current NETFLIX production, “A Man On The Inside.”

However, there was one notable exception. Howard arrived with his lovely and charming wife, Tessa.

The couple played bridge, attended all the cocktail parties, but were also sensitive to other’s political affiliations and avoided controversy,

Indeed they were considered an asset and welcomed by all in our community, That was 18 months ago before Howard unexpectedly tumbled over a curb en route to his weekly golf game.

A seemingly innocuous accident but it brought on a loss of confidence, or that was the way Tessa explained why they had not participated in the traditional monthly weekend at a well known casino.

And then unexpectedly and without explanation, the popular couple stopped playing bridge. I wondered if someone had been too aggressive during the always highly competitive game.

However, I soon forgot about it when I started planning the annual Holiday High Tea.

Yesterday my co-hosts for the festive event, Flo and Bobbi, joined me in the library adjacent to the communal hallway to finalize our plans.

Tessa and Howard suddenly appeared as they walked to the exit en route to Tessa's weekly therapist’s appointment.

After Tessa departed, Howard took a seat at the table and joined us. Flo explained, rather rudely, that we were in the midst of making arrangements for the forthcoming holiday gala, but our uninvited guest refused to leave.

Within minutes it was obvious that any prospect of further planning for our event had ended. Howard had begun to discuss possible plans he had in mind for a community cruise, and it became obvious he had no intention of departing.

Although it was an uncomfortable situation, neither my friends nor I were inclined to offend the gentleman. Yet we wondered why he was so persistent when obviously interrupting our meeting,

Thirty minutes later the elevator door opened and Tessa returned. Howie immediately stood up and took her arm leaving us without an adieu..

We quickly realized that the tall and dignified gentleman had been afraid to be alone and the tumble from the curb was not innocuous.

And while life taught us another lesson in aging and reality on a quiet afternoon,

“A Man On The Inside” reaffirms that message with both needed humor and respect.

Time and humanity will lay claim to one and all without distinction, even for A Flavor of the Month. We, who now only watch and await our turn. continue to wonder how long before ours, too, will arrive.