I was a charter member of the Lonely Hearts Cub throughout my high school years. I wasn’t one of the cool kids who dated and fell in love—or even seemed to garner any interest from the opposite sex.
I went to an all-girls Catholic High School which was coeducational with a Catholic Boys School. To translate—that meant that both schools were housed n a monstrosity of a red brick building that had been a juvenile delinquents’ institution for many years.
After high school, I was recruited by our parish priest to be the Prefect of the Sodality, which was a group devoted to the Blessed Mother. Our purpose was to pray for others and to do good works. Hmmm…
Anyway, there was a young man named Jim who joined the group. And as luck would have it, he fell in love with me. He saw me as the perfect “girl” and thought that I was beautiful. How do I know this? He said so. I had a car by then and was in my early 20’s—still not dating much, but I was busy praying and doing good works.
One of the good works I did was to visit shut-ins—people who were homebound due to age, infirmary or disability, Most of these shut-ins were women who probably were the age I am now—early 70’s. Interestingly, when I was infirm from my life-altering Covid experience, I didn’t consider myself to be a shut-in. Oh, how times have changed. Anyway, Jim and I worked as a team and went to visit a lovely woman who was a shut-in.
I remember the visit well. She proceeded to tell Jim how attractive I was ( at least to her), saying “You have everything, beautiful skin, curly hair, and lovely eyes.” Jim agreed whole heartedly and also added that he saw me as the ideal Catholic young woman. ( I’d like to say that I tried to correct them as they heaped lavish praise on me—but I didn’t!)
Fast forward a month or so later. Jim asked me to go to dinner with him, so I did. It was obvious that to him, it was a date. To me it was dinner out with a friend. After we ate at one of the best restaurants in Buffalo, Jim left a 50 cent tip in the form of a Kennedy half-dollar—which was chintzy even then. Try as I might to distract him and leave a more generous tip, I was unsuccessful. I was embarrassed as we exited the restaurant wondering what the server thought of us. To make matters worse, he talked about the great tip he’d left as we drove home. I remember him telling me that
he’d saved the Kennedy half-dollar just for this occasion.
Anyway, it was our first and last date. I’m not sure if I discouraged him or just was “too busy” the next time…but I’m pretty sure I broke his heart.
Kathy, or should I say Miracle Lady?!
What you have accomplished, both physically and mentally, is absolutely amazing. I see improvements every time I see you. Although your life is forever changed, you certainly are making the most of it. Surviving 61 days on a ventilator is no small feat! Be happy, be proud, and continue to smile to the world. We are here for you and we all think you are doing just great. You are to be admired in so many ways: for your strong faith, your incredible spirit, your dedication to improving your condition, and for being a true hero after an unimaginable experience. You are your own magic! May your positive mindset bring peace and beauty to your beautiful life. God‘s blessings to you, Kathy! Sending love and hugs on the wings of your angels. Your forever friend, Bonnie ❤️🙏😊
Fun piece…and I would have dumped him too! It was very interesting to read about your Catholic high school and your “Prefect of the Sodality.” You definitely have deep roots in your faith because of your family and your upbringing. Well done, Kathy!
I love hearing this story — never heard it before!
Hi Kathy,
Oh those “happy” days of High School. Having never gone to a Catholic HS, it was fun to hear about your “date” with the skinflint Jim…I Am enjoying my subscription to “This and That. What a clever idea. I am still looking forward to our next lunch together…Let’s set a date.