We received a call from Gertrude last week. She used to live across the street from us with her three kids and alcoholic husband. Johnny was a consummate drunkard. He functioned alright most of the time, but there were times when he didn't, and everyone knew he was drunk. But he didn't realize we all knew, and we just went along letting him believe he was fooling us all. Like that time he fell down the steps on his front porch and needed help to get back up and into the house. He twisted his ankle right smartly in the fall. He blamed on a loose brick in the walk, but we all knew the reason was loose brain cells floating in Vodka.
Enough was enough eventually for Gertrude and Johnny. About two years ago she kicked him out of the house. Then sold the house a moved to one that was a bit newer, and required a bit less maintenance than the 90+ year old houses in our neighborhood. We kept in touch with her, two of her kids matched the ages of two of our kids. We did New Year's eve together a couple of years ago, and did some school functions, Casino Night, Carnivals and the like together. We aren't by any means the best of friends, but we are friends.
Gertrude calls and tells the 5/8th that she had been in contact with someone she had known in high school. Now, this is where the whole thing turns into something you might see in a Lifetime channel movie. This fellow Gertrude knew (I don't know if she 'knew' knew him - as in the Biblical sense) in high school has been 'looking for her for several years.' (warning Will Robinson, warning). He now lives in Maine and has a string of dry cleaners or convenience stores or some type of successful (presumably) shops. And after having flown out to Maine to re-connect with this fellow, she is now packing up her bags and moving to Maine. Not just to Maine mind you, she is actually moving her and her kids directly into his house.
Call me cynical, and I truly hope this thing pans out for her - I think everyone has the chance at a happy, long lasting relationship - but this thing just doesn't sound right. Here is a 40 something guy with (presumably) financial success in his businesses, and he is single. Growing up, that is what my mom would call "either gay or damaged goods." I certainly hope this doesn't turn out like a Lifetime movie where he beats her and she has to set him on fire while he sleeps, but I fear something like that is on her horizon. Hey, Valarie Bertenelli could always play her in the movie (no, Gertrude does not look like Valarie, but does that really matter?).
Enough was enough eventually for Gertrude and Johnny. About two years ago she kicked him out of the house. Then sold the house a moved to one that was a bit newer, and required a bit less maintenance than the 90+ year old houses in our neighborhood. We kept in touch with her, two of her kids matched the ages of two of our kids. We did New Year's eve together a couple of years ago, and did some school functions, Casino Night, Carnivals and the like together. We aren't by any means the best of friends, but we are friends.
Gertrude calls and tells the 5/8th that she had been in contact with someone she had known in high school. Now, this is where the whole thing turns into something you might see in a Lifetime channel movie. This fellow Gertrude knew (I don't know if she 'knew' knew him - as in the Biblical sense) in high school has been 'looking for her for several years.' (warning Will Robinson, warning). He now lives in Maine and has a string of dry cleaners or convenience stores or some type of successful (presumably) shops. And after having flown out to Maine to re-connect with this fellow, she is now packing up her bags and moving to Maine. Not just to Maine mind you, she is actually moving her and her kids directly into his house.
Call me cynical, and I truly hope this thing pans out for her - I think everyone has the chance at a happy, long lasting relationship - but this thing just doesn't sound right. Here is a 40 something guy with (presumably) financial success in his businesses, and he is single. Growing up, that is what my mom would call "either gay or damaged goods." I certainly hope this doesn't turn out like a Lifetime movie where he beats her and she has to set him on fire while he sleeps, but I fear something like that is on her horizon. Hey, Valarie Bertenelli could always play her in the movie (no, Gertrude does not look like Valarie, but does that really matter?).
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