It was the usual chatter, "what other kinda work are you in to?" "you got any females in your life...etc." I explained to him that I had some interests here or there but nothing too serious at the moment. He asked me if I'd ever been in love. To be honest, I was a bit taken back by the question, as I am not typically one to converse about such topics, especially with someone I'd just met. But for some reason I replied, "Once. And ever since, I've had a new found appreciation for those who had been there for me in the past that I just wasn't available for... but even so, we always have that one 'Daisy Buchanan'."
He didn't catch the Gatsby reference, but replied that it took him 67 years to realize what I'd just said. He then went on to tell me about the girl he should have settled down with, but he was never quite ready for.
Eventually they faded apart, lost contact, but he never forgot about her - not for a day. 34 years past, but he still never forgot.
About a year and a half ago, he bumped into her at a Whole Foods (I don't know why, but there's always something classic about reconnecting at a supermarket...). Anyways, she had gone on to work as a musician and coincidentally had a recital that night. She warmly invited him to come and he was beyond excited to show up and finally be there for her the way he wanted to for all those years. Only in all his excitement, he'd forgotten he had to drive a bus that night - not unlike the one he was driving as he was telling me this story: filled with kids, likely taking them to-and-from a game.
He couldn't make it.
He didn't even have her number to call her and let her know why he wasn't there. For whatever the reason, he decided not to reach out and find her. Time continued to turn and again he lost contact, but still never forgot. At this point I jumped in and asked, "So why not try to find her now?" He smiled and replied, "I turned 67 on March 10th, she passed away March 11th... and now all I can think about is 'what if' I had done it all differently." Everyday since she's passed, he writes to her and tells her all the things he wished he had when he'd had the chance.
.....and I was bummed about losing a lacrosse game.
I flipped on the TV when I got home and Gatsby was on. I watched it through... We all have that Daisy Buchanan.
Final Fraze:
Be cognizant and appreciative of the people who are there for you unconditionally, because at any moment - your time with them could be up. In life, love or any opportunities/endeavors you face, the worst question you could ever ask yourself is, "what if" ==> pick your feet up and find out.
Time is undefeated, but Love is Timeless.
