At the start of our 3rd year at St Anselm College, my roommates Nancy and Joan and I moved off-campus to an apartment in renovated textile mill housing in downtown Manchester, NH, overlooking the Merrimac River. Soon after we got settled, someone moved into the apartment across the hall from us and we began to hear a piano being played inside. We introduced ourselves to our new neighbor Evan, who had just graduated from college and moved to NH for his first job. Soon we all became fast friends.
When my roommates and I graduated, we all went our separate ways. Evan and I have stayed in touch, so I knew he had become a psychiatrist and lived near Philadelphia with his family, however we’d not seen each other for about 25 years when I stopped by while on a business trip to Philadelphia. We got together for the third time in 46 years, just a few days before the start of Doug’s blues jam.
From the minute we finished the first hello hug, we talked. And then we talked more, and kept at it until it was time to head out (and that is my official excuse for limited pix…). Share favorite memories, get caught up, reminisce, fill in the gaps in our history, flashback, catch up some more…
The two years in Manchester were formative for me. I don’t think Evan realized at the time that he saved my life, or at least saved my college career, forever altering my path in life. One of my instructors felt that I wasn’t taking my studies seriously and I was about to get kicked out of school. I was preparing my argument to present to the disciplinary committee. Evan was our fount of wisdom – he was 2 years older!!!! – so I asked for his advice. I planned to report that the instructor was being unfair, that it was my choice when and how I studied, and I needed to work nights in order to pay for school. Evan explained that the instructor had all the power to determine my future relationship with the college, and I had none. Zero. He suggested a different approach to take with the committee. And by the way, don’t show up in those ripped jeans – try to look and act professional. I took his advice, cleaned up my act, and reached an agreement with the committee. I got to finish my nursing degree and the rest is history. So thanks, Evan!
Evan was a runner and inspired me to run, as well. In turn, I convinced Evan to do some hiking, and offered to hike Mount Washington (in NH) with him. We both recalled the absolutely wonderful hike up the rugged Tuckerman Ravine and laughed hysterically when we remembered nearing the top of the trail, with unparalleled views over the pristine wilderness below us, and taking the last few steps to the summit to find ourselves standing… in a parking lot filled with cars!
I’d met Evan’s wife Claire and 3 of their 4 children on my earlier visit, at which time Sarah, the eldest, was probably almost 8, and the youngest was not yet around. Claire was away during our visit – we regret missing her – and Sarah is living at home until she marries in May and moves to Ohio. It was wonderful to get acquainted with her. Today, there are 3 grands and 3 more on the way. With the kids and their families settling in the mid-west, Evan and Claire are planning a move to Indiana.
Evan still has the piano he had in the apartment in NH, plus a newer grand piano in the music room. He’s an accomplished vocalist (he sang bass in his college a cappella group and is currently in a theatre group), and in fact this entire family is quite musical. Sarah, who studied music in college and grad school, is a professional violinist and teacher. Classically trained, she’s versatile as well in a diversity of musical genres. She is happy playing the fiddle, which she and I agreed is like a violin with an attitude, and she’s been exploring the blues. We spent the evening with the coolest jam session ever, covering as many different genres as we could – blues, jazz, country, classic rock, americana and even a gospel tune or two so that Evan could demonstrate his amazing bass vocals.
So glad to catch them near Philly. Let’s not wait another 25 years…
For anyone interested, more Wyndmoor visit and family pix…