The Last Crusade

The ritual of writing---the choosing of the paper, the finding of the pen, the convening of thoughts, the drawing of the letters---was an intimate act that sometimes gave him the pleasure of KISSING.
--Colin Channer,
WAITING IN VAIN, a novel

...And so, it was time to send Paloma a postcard from the Big Island.   I found a cool hotel postcard that gave perspective as to where I was located that was perfect.   I made it short and simple.  I wrote:

May 16, 1989
Paloma,
This is the 62-acre resort that I'm staying at on the Big Island.   It's nice and tropical.   The company is catering to my every need (well, ALMOST every need--Ha-ha).  

I listen to your French tunes by the pool and the cocktail waitresses ask, "Where are you from?"
Ha-ha. 
Love,
Michael J Armijo


The final days in Hawaii were approaching.   I thought it was smart of me to bring a white sport jacket to wear during the Pac Bell Directory Awards night.   It was too Hawaiian HOT to be wearing something dark.  
As the last days progressed at the Hyatt Waikoloa Hotel Mitch and I would go out and have our share of Pina colada cocktails.   We’d both feel squeamish every time we’d run into a fellow co-worker.I would say, “OH no…I see Steve Adams coming our way.”
Mitch would say, “Barf…here comes VIVIAN!” 
It was rather hysterical.  He makes me laugh.

May 19, 1989Once I was had returned home in Alameda I was happy to find another letter from one of my 4th grade students, Samantha Du.  She had received the postcard I sent her and remembered about my trip to Hawaii.  Her letter made me smile from ear to ear.  Samantha wrote:

May 18, 1989 Dear Mr. Armijo
How was your trip to Hawaii?   Could you send me a picture of you in Hawaii?   Inside the berry envelope there is a bear-y present for you.   I really miss you.   I really enjoyed everything you thought of me.   I wanted to write you because I feel bad and sad these full days.  I had nothing to do.   I am so excited to write to you.   Well, I have nothing to say.   OH yeah, here is a poem:
ROSES ARE RED
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
YOUR ARE SO CUTE
MY FRIENDS THINK
YOU ARE TOO!

Ha-ha-ha!   I hope you like the poem. Your Pal, Samantha DuA few days later I was happy to receive a Birthday letter from my ‘sometimes’ bike riding partner, Birda, who also lives in Alameda (or used to).  
PHOTO:  Birda Briggs

May 20, 1989
Michael,
How are you?   I’ am writing to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.   You thought I’d forget!    You are how old now…let’s see, 24?  No, you’ll be 28.  No, that’s not right either.   Well, whatever you are on the 26thI hope it’s happy.

I’ve been doing fine.   I’ve gained some weight…not riding my bike makes a big difference.   Everywhere! I have a new job, driving a truck.  Yep, BIG trucks.   I got into car hauling with a company called PMT (Pacific Motor Trucking).   It’s a union job with full benefits and everything.   What a difference from Sanchez Trucking.   I didn’t think I would ever haul cars.   It’s fun and scary but I’ve always been a little crazed.

I’m staying in San Leandro right now, looking for a place in Alameda again.   I miss riding my bike a lot.   Hopefully when I move back I’ll have time.   My job takes me through 48 states, so I’m gone a lot. Other than that I’m what you call a working fool (6AM to 6PM+).   I’m just glad I like it so much.


So, how’s everything with you?   Still riding?   Still working for PAC BELL?   Still on Bay Farm Island?   Where did you go for vacation last? I still have my P.O. Box in Clearlake Oaks, so if you have time…send a letter.   I look forward to hearing from you.
Take Care, Love, Birda
(Your Bike Buddy)

P.S. See ya at the beach!
The other surprise card arrived a couple of days later from an ex-beau (Chad Mark Glen).   I was surprised because he didn’t really write anything.  He simply included a handsome, smiling photo of himself to go along with his San Francisco State University announcement of his forthcoming graduation in June 1989.   He graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communications.  The photo made me believe he was reaching out for me to reach out.    It’s almost as if it’s The Last Crusade.

Photo:  Chad Mark Glen  


It's Ironic that on May 24ththe third and last installment of the Harrison Ford RAIDERS OF THE LAST ARK films will be released.   It’s called INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE.   I do intend on seeing it.  Perhaps it will provide some answers ‘in living life’.

I wrote back to all of the above (Samantha Du, Birda Briggs and Chad Mark Glen).  Let’s see if they reply to my reply.   People are a work-in-progress.   They’re like snow.   Sometimes it sticks, sometimes it does not.   Women made such swell friends.  Awfully swell.  In the first place, you had to be IN LOVE with a woman to have a basis of friendship.
-Ernest Hemingway
THE SUN ALSO RISES, Chapter 14