YOU HURT MY FEELINGS
No one said anything, which didn’t mean there was nothing to say. We didn’t want to talk about it. --Nelson DeMille, THE LIONS GAME
It’s nice to have Alan and Gloria back in town. I received one more postcard from Gloria that she sent me while she was in Rome, Italy. Her words were simple, but thoughtful.
Hi,
We have been having a marvelous time. Sightseeing, walking, eating, hopping and just having fun. Miss you, Love, Gloria
Gloria never stops. Now she was all set to have her party at her new pad in the SEA COLONY building. I gifted her a CAT IN A WINDOW painting that she loved. Her party included my mom who was here for the weekend in addition to some of Gloria’s other friends like her neighbors in her condo building and Elaine Hilliard (from her gym) among others. Alan’s accountant, Cathy Imai, was there with her husband, Trevor. Alan’s longtime friend, Herb Braha, was there. Art K (Alan’s real estate partner) was there, too. It was festive. We all mingled. Alan’s brother, Richard and his wife, Leslie, were there but there was some friction between Alan and his brother (there always has been). Overall, the Friday evening went smoothly. Gloria was dressed in a pretty blue color and the sunset was as beautiful as could be.
A few days later, Gloria wrote to me on this Paul Cezanne card of his work, THE BLUE VASE:
I know I have let you know how I feel about you—that not only do I love you but also like you. You are one of the finest, nicest persons I have ever been fortunate to meet.
You have enriched my life enormously and I bless the day that circumstances brought you into my life.
Thank You very much for helping make my party the huge success it was. Also, thanks a heap for the painting. Every time I look at it, I will know the love it brings.
Lots of lots of Love,
Gloria
The following day was April 1. It was Alan’s 43rd Birthday and the big surprise was that I wrapped ‘43’ presents for him. He was so astonished and happy. I know he was. It was extraordinary to see him there surrounded by his gifts. I wonder which gift was his favorite. I guess I’ll have to ask him.
Our work routines began to blend in after the weekend. I began keeping things inside my mind but now that Alan was back, I was able to explore and discuss. Mom went home and my Aunt Lela sent me a sweet couple of cards:
You’re such a joy for me, hearing from you always lifts my spirits. In case I forget to get a card off for EASTER be sure and have a joyful one. We love you and when our house sells, we’ll talk to you about investing for us.
Take Care,
God Bless,
Aunt Lela
On her separate postcard Aunt Lela wrote:
What a pleasant surprise hearing from you on this well-deserved holiday. Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself. So glad you did. You know we’ve been there, too. Great fun as I remember. Welcome back to the States. I’m sure you’re home by now.
Love,
Aunt Lela
We all go through our moods and sometimes I take things out on Alan. He is as sensitive as am I. We all tend to release our anxieties on the ones we love. Alan reminded me of his sensitivity when he left this card for me. I must remember and try to act with more kindness.
I Love You Very Much. I’m also very, very sensitive about everything: coffee, my body, my looks and YOU.
I’m very upset after you make me feel very bad. I’m sorry but I take what you say seriously. Please understand me and what makes me tick. I need your love, understanding and positive reinforcement, lots of it! This card is great, isn’t it?
See you in NY,
Love,
Alan
Alan’s card reminded me to always say YOU HURT MY FEELINGS whenever someone hurts your feelings. It’s so important to do so because many people persist and they do not know. Say it: “You Hurt My Feelings” whenever necessary.
“ACTION brings courage and confidence.” --Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist b. 1835 d. 1919
