It may seem surprising that someone to whom I was once married would qualify as one of my official ‘reunion’ people. But the truth is that Lisa had all of the unspoken qualifications. I had not seen her, spoken to her, or otherwise been in contact with her in more than five years…and I had to actively search her whereabouts - which honestly, was not that easy. It was only dumb luck that led me to her phone number. I had even run into her younger sister Erin still working at the Beavercreek Kroger store but she had never followed through with giving me the contact info.
As it turns out, Lisa had been trying to find an email address for me, too. She was reluctant to call as she did not want to be intrusive if I was happily married. So our reunion was looked forward to by both of us equally. Turns out she was still living in San Diego, which was the last I had heard. Before that, she had made residence in Arizona and Newport Beach, CA as a traveling nurse. She is still using her married name - which happens to be mine as well. Currently she, with her boyfriend, is a co-owner of Laser Skin Rejuvenation, a business specializing in laser technology for hair removal, wrinkle reduction, etc.
Following my day in Palm Springs, Bob and I returned to his place in San Bernardino. Lisa drove up from San Diego to meet me at his place and we headed out to the nearest sushi bar, Miyagi (no relation to the Karate Kid’s master). Lisa brought along a bottle of wine, which the restaurant de-corked for us. It was wonderful to visit and catch up. Bob thought that Lisa had been highly “Califonia-ized” but I could certainly sense the same old Lisa: all smiles, giggles, and the a natural voice of reason. We quickly made friends with John the sushi chef, who asked if Lisa and I would be spending Valentine’s Day together. He was surprised to learn that we were once married - over seven years ago - and hadn’t seen each other in more than five years.
After the dinner (during which, incidentally, I did not perform the brutal stuffing that I had the day before), Lisa and I headed back to Bob’s place where he had heated the hot tub for us. It was so hot, we could hardly stand it - and combined with the wine, I felt like I was going to pass out, so I cooled my arms in the pool. Lisa did not like the suggestion that I would throw her in the pool to help her cool off. Soon it was time for her to head back on the long journey to San Diego.
It was certainly great to see her again. She’s quite a funny and charming young woman - I guess that’s why I once married her. Hopefully we’ll see each other again sometime soon. I know she will be coming to town for her sister’s wedding in May.
Continue with the California trip…
Continue with the reunions…
This is funny that you should write about Lisa. For some reason or another, I was just thinking about her and wondering what she was up to and where she was living, and if she was happy. Strange coincidence!
Bev Tangeman
April 30th, 2007