I’m trying to get acclimated to my new Wednesday pick up schedule. Hazel is at the middle school and Fritz is over at the high school now.
I scooped up Hazel and found Fritz and we started back to the other side of Mannheim Road. I needed to pick up dinner for George because he had to head back to work.
I drove over to the Culver’s on Ogden next to the old quarry off of 1st Avenue. We’ve been going to this location consistently since the move to Riverside. Often enough that the staff knows us well.
We’ve gotten to know a lady that works there named Dianna. I actually met Dianna when she worked at the CVS across from Tischler’s in Brookfield. She worked there when George was a toddler and Fritz a newborn. Her and George hit it off immediately.
Dianna isn’t a very healthy lady. She probably has had a tough life and it was obvious in her appearance. She carries a heavyset frame and her elbows are covered with psoriasis. Dianna always greets us with a huge smile. A smile that framed a few missing teeth.
No matter what kind of life Dianna went through, she was always kind and loving to her customers. So it was comforting to see her at Culver’s. She gave an awkward time in our life some familiarity.
I got up to the box and ordered George a hamburger and some fries. I could recognize Brendon’s voice and he knew mine.
We pulled around to the window to pay and there was a note on the glass. It had a three paragraph statement and a picture of Dianna.
Dianna passed away earlier this month.
I knew she was unhealthy and that she had been taking more time off recently. That’s how often we go to this Culver’s.
I started to tear up in front of Brendon, Fritz and Hazel.
I only knew this lady from a drug store and a fast food restaurant. I didn’t know her last name or where she lived. Dianna popped up here and there for the last fifteen years. She was that Eleanor Rigby that brought some joy into the world.
Hazel squeezed my hand as we waited for George’s fucking hamburger. Funny thing is Dianna always scared Hazel. Dianna would stick her big head out of the sliding partition and say, “hello kids! How is everyone doing?”
George would spout off everything going on in life. Fritz would say something witty, but Hazel would lean away and get shy.
The world is full of Dianna’s. They pop in and out of our daily routine with small roles to play. Our role is to respect them and give them purpose. My dad taught me that and I’m passing it along to the Shepkids.
I will miss Dianna’s hard featured presence at the Culver’s drive through.
When I handed George his dinner I told him the news.
“You’re kidding me? You’re kidding me dad? Right?
....That’s not something to joke about.”
Hazel assured George that I was serious, but also told him that Dianna isn’t sick anymore. Hearing that comforted George and made me proud.
On a happier note… today is EWF day.
Did you remember?
Today is the 21st day of September! Today is the day where our minds are changed. We can’t pretend about love. Because love chases the clouds away.
Today I’m going to move my body and glide like a seven forty seven ya’ll…..
Let Earth, Wind and Fire put the smile on the sun today.
Rest in peace dear Dianna.
