I happened to hear the song, “Memory” from CATS , some time back. My husband and I were on our way to his office. Thank goodness our driver changed the station just in time for us to catch most of the song!
It brought back memories…
Some time ago, we had the unbelievably good fortune of watching CATS in Shubert Theater in NYC, with one of my husband’s best friends in Ateneo. They grew up together, all the way to college. My niece had very kindly given us four tickets since she couldn’t get off from work to bring us herself. Great seats! Near enough to see the details of the performers’ costumes, their facial expressions as they danced and sang, and oh my goodness – their intricate, awesome makeup.
We double-dated with my husband’s friend and his wife the whole day — eating, shopping, chatting and just walking around Manhattan, capping it off with CATS and a late, late dinner. At the end of the day, we were dog-tired but so happy. People probably found us weird, or thought we were high, because we were strolling around the streets of Manhattan with these wide smiles on our faces, amidst guffaws of laughter. Yes. It was one of our best days in Manhattan!
However, months later, we were so shocked – and deeply saddened – when we found out that my husband’s friend and his wife had actually separated months BEFORE we had that date with them!
We told them, months in advance, about our holiday in New York, hoping they could fix their schedules and spend some time with us. We knew they had jobs that required them to take leaves. My husband’s friend was a manager in a high-end department store.
Despite their being recently separated, our friends apparently went out of their way to plan the days they’d be with us – together – even if they already lived separate lives. It must’ve required some complicated planning, sacrifice, and emotional restraint. They put our interests above theirs. They didn’t allow their separation to be a wet blanket; to get in the way of our vacation.
Realizing this, we were so touched. They could’ve easily come up with a credible excuse – like not being able to take off from their jobs. Or something like that. But they didn’t. They chose to give us a marvelous time.
Had they told us, I’m sure it would’ve created a lot of awkward moments, strained conversations. Maybe we would’ve felt like we were walking on thin ice, at times, while we were with them.
How utterly unselfish and kind of them, don’t you think? They thought of giving us a wonderful time, in the midst of their pain.
We used to double date with them when we were in college. And oh, what FUN we had then!!! Clean, wholesome fun. (Let me clarify for their sake, haha!)
Then decades later, on that fine, pleasantly-chilly day in Manhattan, we double dated again — and still had fun.
Looking back, my husband and I didn’t even detect a sliver of sadness in them that’s why we were absolutely clueless – we didn’t sense anything was wrong. Instead, we were all so relaxed and free-wheeling. We talked about anything and everything. How we laughed that day!
I guess some things never get old — true friendships, private jokes, our favorite food, a commonality of things and experiences treasured.
We were so sorry to hear that my husband’s friend passed away some years later, and we didn’t even know about it.
Up till now, we still feel so privileged and honored that we spent that whole day in Manhattan, and other half-days, with my husband’s good friend and his date.
It was a great day. It was great watching Cats together, and remembering “Memory” so many years later. I’m just so glad that we all dropped everything, grabbed that moment in time, and spent the whole day together.
Today, it’s great to remember our friend and the wife of his youth.
