The first annual Harrys Happy Holidays gathering was a great success. Guests ranged in age from 14 weeks, Master Cassius Boyd, to 80, Chester Park neighbors, Jacque and Tim, and came from across the river, Matt from New Jersey, across the Atlantic, the Boyds, across the border, Mary Villagomez, across the continent, Dave Gorkin and Shannon, and from close enough to get here on public transportation or by car, many of Harrys oldest friends, some of his newest friends, and some who had not met Harry but were drawn to come. On the center table there was a big picture of a grinning Harry in a pool in Florida, his arms raised, speed-o visible beneath the water, a centerpiece like those on all the tables with shells, pebbles, sand, mini flags, umbrellas and beach balls and a candle, a Buddha brought as a gift from Harrys friend (and now mine) singer Sophia Luz Cruz, a large bottle of 1800 tequila and a number of shot glasses There were beach toys and a stack of sea stars in a net. In one corner there was a beach umbrella beneath which Master Cassius slept like a baby in his comfortable stroller/bed for much of the night until he was moved to his own private room adjacent to the party room. Dinner was delicious, the staff of Julianos attentive but not invasive. . The winner of the Speed-o Challenge was Harrys good friend Mario Carneiro who did justice to Harrys green robe which he wore like a victorious boxer at Madison Square Garden. It was noted that Mario wore a new pair of glamorous patterned socks purchased for the occasion in addition to his speed-o. At the sight of Mario, majestic and proud, all other competitors bowed out. Several have promised to compete next year. Jackie Hall Burrell shared her box of Baci chocolates presented as a gesture of thanks for all her hard work in the search for Harry and because every time Harry mentioned Jackie to me he would say, Shes a sweetheart. Mary Villagomez, my hero and my friend, a blessing in my life from the moment she saw Harry in Coacoyul, was here to celebrate with us. Mary prepared shots of tequila a la Mexicana as people came forward to share Harry stories. Mary poured Sprite into the glass followed by tequila, covered the glass and smacked it on the table three times before giving it to each person. Bubbles would rise and subside like foam on the beach, festive and ephemeral. One of my favorite stories of the night was told by Kowshik Raman who spoke of Harrys determination and focus. The example he told us was from high school when Harry wanted to play lacrosse. Harry wrote his school and petitioned for a lacrosse team, convinced enough guys to come out for the team, and practiced every morning before school, rising at dawn, getting a ride to a tunnel under an abandoned railroad bridge two towns away to practice throwing a ball against the tunnel wall for an hour or an hour and a half. Harry got really good at lacrosse and was sent to represent his high school at the Empire State Games. Whatever Harry did he did with all his heart. There were two intersecting messages on the cake we had for dessert had two intersecting messages. One said HARRY LIVES! The other, LOVE YOUR LIFE. May YOU do just that: LIVE! and LOVE YOUR LIFE! With great affection from Harry and from me, to all of you who were there to celebrate with us in person and to those of you who were with us in spirit from all over, - Ann, Harrys Mom
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 13:54:11 +0000
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