This man taught Sociology, Anthropology, and Cultural Anthropology, where I work. Although he had, at times, a disposition, that did not endear him to some of his colleagues, there were many of them, who made it their business to invite him to social functions, outside the college. He would do the same in return. As for me, in an office support position, he and I had an odd relationship. Our favorite thing to do was shoot rubberbands at each other. Childish, yes, but we aimed safely. Rubber bands were not only shot, but the purchase of huge ones spanned our chairs, or disabled the opening of certain doors. You had to be there, but everyone knew about our rubberband battles. Finally, it was almost time for him to retire. He had always been a "skin-flint" (extreme frugality) so he was leaving to embark on a new job, and lots of funds to make his retirement enjoyable. His wife retired, not long after he did. Before he left, his favorite thing to say to me was "You're gonna miss me when I'm gone." I would retort, "No, you're gonna miss me!" Back and forth we'd go. He'd be back to visit surely. His son and I were friends too. A sweet kid that is now, such a wonderful and handsome young man. Prof.'s wife called one morning after he had retired. The new,other secretary answered the telephone to take her call. She could not talk to me, she said. She knew her husband and I were long time friends. The message was, that he had died suddenly over the weekend! I was stunned. I thought about his final words to me, that I had taken for granted the years before, and the one after his retirement. Eventually, I found out he was an extraordinary pipe organist. What a revelation, I thought. But, he never knew I had any artistic ability, either. Even after all those years. If I could, I would tell him. If I could, I would tell him this, too. "Doug, you were right, afterall." "You are missed."
16 Comments
kat Schilke 19 Mar 2007
WOW what a story!!!!! great artLisa Prentiss 06 Jan 2007
So much feeling in those eyes..beautiful portraitJanet Gioffre Harrington 20 Dec 2006
What a beautiful tribute and narative. Did you give a copy of this to his wife? Wow, Carliss. This is so very touching.Nira Dabush 12 Dec 2006
I read your story,Carliss..and i understand so well your feelings..It's amazing how a simple sentence like :"You're gonna miss me when I'm gone."...can be so significant later...so soon after you heard it.All my sympathy and empathy,is with you...You did such beautiful work to honor this man,whom you had "odd relationship"..as you say...sorry for this loss of a friend for you...LOVE Your work...especially knowing your feelings as described in this text.Terry Harris 16 Sep 2006
Often you get a glimse into the soul of a person. That you had the child like fun with him would have been a pure joy in a day of stress and at times even boredom. That he had this with you, shows that he felt a connection and could relax to be like that. If he didn't know of your art, he probably does now and wil be tickled about it. I would make a frame with rubber bands around it (glued on) and frame his portrait and have it on my desk as a fond momento, if I were you. I'd alwas think of him with pipe organ music or if seeig a rubber band. WOnderful art, the portrai hints of his less serious side, and warmth. Thanks fr sharing such a beautiful tribute to him.Christine brand 03 Sep 2006
What a Story...I even misss him now!!!Lynnette Zulli 19 Aug 2006
I'm sure eveything you wanted to say to Doug was said as you put each stroke to that empty page ... what a loving response to an unspokenly comical relationship ... we never know where God wants to take us ...we should just be willing to go ... you were probably his stress reliever with an elastic appreciation for each other that will stretch across many generations !!! Beautiful Simply Beautiful !!Greg Joens 17 Aug 2006
nice workJean M. Laffitau 10 Aug 2006
Your drawings are better and better after each new posting! Well done Carliss!!Ginger Lovellette 10 Aug 2006
Great pencil work!Arlene Ehleben 10 Aug 2006
Beautiful pencil work.Emily Reed 10 Aug 2006
A very well done portrait! Good job, Carliss, as always!Loredana 10 Aug 2006
MARVELOUS PORTRAIT AGAIN CARLISS WONDERFUL WORKkaren bellows 10 Aug 2006
Cezanne, I love that you are able to bring people to life with your sketching ability and your way with words. I appreciate the information/stories you put up with each drawing. this is another nice, nice piece. Thank you for sharing.Lucia Stewart 10 Aug 2006
Brilliant portrait, really excellent work!Nelly van Nieuwenhuijzen 10 Aug 2006
THANKS FOR THE TOUCHING TEXT CARLISS! BEAUTIFUL, VERY BEAUTIFUL PORTRAIT!!!