Two Roses

Rose is a perfectly good name, but I’ve found that it’s rare. I’ve known dozens of Lindas, Sues, Carols, Kathys and Dianes. In elementary school I met a Rosalie. We graduated from high school together. One of my college roommates, Gary, had a sister, Rosemary. I stood up with her in his wedding. In all my years, I’ve met only two Roses. One lives in the condo next to ours, and the first was our neighbor of thirty years on Lake LeAnn. What are the odds that my two Roses resided next to me.

I’ve met with my current Rose face to face one time. Our initial introduction took place back in November when we first moved in. On the second night of our five night stay in our new condo, Ruth woke me up at five in the morning with what we both thought was a heart attack. We knew no one, and absolutely nothing of the area, so I called 911. Ten minutes later an ambulance arrived, followed by the chief of the local fire department.

After conducting an initial assessment of Ruth, they loaded her into the ambulance. As we were getting organized, the lady next door stepped out in her bathrobe and beckoned the fire chief to come over. She handed the chief a note with directions to pass it along to me. It read:

Let us know if you need anything. Rose Ward xxx-xxx-xxxx Graham Ward xxx-xxx-xxxx

After I got back from the hospital I called Rose, introduced myself, thanked her for her help, and brought her up to date on Ruth’s status by explaining her diagnosis of a-fib. I learned they’re both professors. Rose is at Central Michigan and Graham teaches at Cooley Law. It was an unusual, but welcome, introduction.

Since we returned from Florida, we’ve been busy getting things organized. Ruth has met both Rose and Graham. I’ve spoken with Rose once, and waved across the side yard as neighbors do. Graham and I have shared a polite “good morning” or “good afternoon” across the yard , but no real conversation has taken place.

I’ve been fighting a sinus infection this week. Ruth and I are supposed to be staying with Brady and Eva while David and Lindsay spend the weekend with Mike, Kate and Jackson. Ruth went on without me. I plan to join them later. I received a text from Ruth on Friday morning directing me to the front porch. Rose had been to the Amish bakery and left us a gift. When I stepped outside I found a new basket full of baked goods.

While my new Rose may be number two in my life, she’s number one in my heart.

TBC