Courtship (C) Team Work

On that first blind date in January 1995, you figure out quickly what he is good at, and what you are better at.  So it is you, native New Yorker, that reserves a table at the restaurant, guides him down the N & R, shows him Blue Man Group.  He picks up all tabs, tips generously, gives you a key to his room at the Pierre.

You know he loves you because you've worked so bloody hard all your life and he feels he can give you more.  You know he loves you because it is you who makes him feel safe.  You know he likes a woman, agile on her feet, quick with her mind, and he likes that you cook and cook for him.

Cooking and cooking...

During the Fall Courtship of 2013, you remember that as a quick-thinking, improvisational woman capable of carrying LOADS, there are still some things, best left for him to do.  It is pointless doing everything for then what purpose is there in team-work and marriage?  So you tell him, right before he leaves, that you need him to:

1.  Clear the topmost shelf as you can't reach it even when standing en pointe.

Good job, Baby!

2.  Sort out the fire extinguisher because you have no interest in shopping for one.

Excellently done, Baby!

He shows you how to use this and asks you what your plan is if there was a fire.  You say, put fire out, call 911, grab Bruno, passport, cell, climb out the kitchen window.

The Kitchen Window (background)

When you are not paying attention, he sorts out bills and internet banking.  He's also bought, carried home an ironing board, and offers to iron the laundry.

This train ride to Heathrow takes 15 minutes and is dreadfully sad.  Nothing you do can slow time down.  You look at him, imprinting the contours of his face, his face, to memory.  He leaves his hand on your lap, and your tears fall, your face now so wet and cold.

And then he is gone.  His last word were-  I'll see you real soon.  And, It's important that you are here for yourself, and for Summie.

The train back to London comes in 12 minutes.  You stand on the platform with your head held elegantly, and your little dog clutched close.  Off he goes to do X, while you stay here to do Y. That's the way it has been and will always be.  You thank God for Team-work and whisper a prayer, hallelujah, because yours is, a winning team.

XXOO