And we loved him too...........

His father wanted us to know we made a difference.

He wanted to say, “thank you” for being his son’s friend.

That his son loved us.

He wanted to tell us that his son died last week.

Our words of condolence and promise of prayers seemed to comfort him, but much like his son he wasn’t much for talking and head bowed he walked out the coffeeshop door to his tiny, rattle-trap car. The same tired, old, orange Honda that brought Window Washer Man to and from Ashley’s for the past 10 years rain or shine. Good times and bad. His bucket and paper towels in hand.

We had all wondered aloud about his health the past few months and whispered worries about his absence these last three weeks. But in all these years he never once shared his name, so we had no where to look. No one to ask. We knew he must be ill or hoped that perhaps he had moved closer to the VA hospital. Maybe he wasn’t taking his medicine or maybe he had found a really good job and would one day walk thru our door, sit down at a table and order a muffin; instead of diligently washing and wiping each corner of the plate glass window, for his bagged salary of food and five bucks….our regular deal.

We knew it had to be serious because Window Washer man was prompt. Was polite. Was part of our coffeeshop family and wouldn’t just leave and not say goodbye.

I think we’re going to buy a brick at Freedom Playground in his honor. A small monument to his fight for freedom from the addictive hands that left his body ravaged and tossed away like marionette with broken strings. And though he beamed with pride on Monday’s when he boasted of another week of sobriety, hand tremors and disheveled hair often hinted at a different truth.

I hope his brick will be in the bright sun, close to a slide or swing, cemented into the earth with the carefree sounds of children laughing and playing.

It will say simply:

“Window Washer Man was a good man and a proud man. We will miss him. Love Sylvia’s Sister and his Ashley's family.”

His first story from my essay class...I'm so glad I have this today!

http://nosomuch.blogspot.com/2010/10/our-regular-deal.html