Aaron Wechter has passed on. Sad in itself. Even more sad, I did not know till yesterday. He died April 4.
Aaron was my first friend in Key West. Some 25 years ago. I met him at Louie’s Backyard Bar. He had been looking for a job.
Aaron got one soon thereafter. He became the Concierge at the Casa Marina. The job suited him perfectly. He sat at a huge desk in the lobby. Actually, he looked like he was holding court there everyday.
He became my going out buddy. Every night. We ran with Larry Smith and I cannot recall who else. My feeble mind at work.
Even did Yom Kipper at his home. I sat at the table, read the prayers with everyone else and alone when it was my turn.
His wife Karen Leonard. They lived together forever. Married I believe earlier this year.
I was their guest for dinner occasionally. Karen’s cooking outstanding. I do not recall if Aaron contributed. If he did, I give him credit also.
He started marrying people. Whatever it took, he qualified for the position. He worked it into a full time business. His business name “Key West Weddings.” Did extremely well. He went anywhere and everywhere to professionally join people in wedlock. Always impressed me. If he had worn a white collar and black suit, he would have passed for a priest.
He did not like driving alone to wedding sites a few miles from Key West. I joined him on some of the trips. I recall one in Big Pine. A biggie. While waiting for the bride to arrive, guests were permitted to drink and eat. I played “guest.” Ate and drank well that day.
Time passes. People drift. Such was the case for Aaron and I. Also I started getting very sick several years ago which did not help.
While Aaron worked at Casa Marina, I needed a haircut. I had hair back then. Aaron took me to the Casa’s barber shop. Introduced me to Lori. She cut my hair and still does all these years later. Lori now owns the Blown Away hair dressing salon on White Street. It was there about six weeks ago that I ran into Aaron again. Many years later.
He had a huge bush of curly white hair. I almost did not recognize him. He said…..Louis.
We talked while waiting. He was sad. Very much so. Told me about the cancer that had recently been discovered within some part of his body, how he had to go to Miami for treatment, and how concerned he was. Actually, he said he was “scared.” Made my recent illnesses appear minimal.
That was the last time I saw Aaron. Christine Smith called me a few weeks ago to say she and Larry and some others were throwing a party for Aaron. For everyone to see him for what sounded like a last time. Wow! How terrible! How nice of Christine and Larry. Nevertheless, how sad. I said I would make it if I felt well. As it turned out I had a very shitty day and could not even get out of bed. Aaron did not make it also. He was not up to it.
As most of you are aware, I am not well. I am a candidate for the hereafter. Sooner than later. I believe there is only one God for all of us. Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Presbyterians, etc. Aaron hopefully will be at the Gate to the Hereafter waiting to greet me.
God love you Karen! Hang in there!
My dear friend Fran Dixon. She made it back to Buffalo yesterday after 3 weeks in Sicily. The return trip took her 24 hours. Atlanta was difficult she said. She had to get her baggage off the European flight and go through U.S. Customs. The line was brutal. She said she stood at one point one and one half hours and did not move one inch.
Whatever, glad she is back. Fran and husband Tom are coming to Key West soon. Actually next Thursday for a week. I look forward to their visit.
Trump continues doing a good job screwing things up. I will save my specific comments for tomorrow. Except for one. He has to be an asshole to get in a fight with Pope Leo, a good man compared to Trump.
I get my car back this afternoon. I am excited. Got it back two weeks ago. Supposedly fixed. I drove it about 15 miles and the problem returned.
Enjoy your day!