| About |
I first encountered Danie in our 7th grade homeroom. I immediately fell in love with this exotic flower. But she was far too sophisticated and mature for this awkward, skinny juvenile. I did succeed, however, during junior high school to make her laugh. This was quite a feat. After all, Danie often looked quite sad. It was only later that I learned her father, a doctor, died unexpectedly only months before she entered the 7th grade. By my senior year, we were dating. In fact, much to her chagrin, an article, published in the Tribune or Missourian, depicted me as a doctor and Danie as my nurse in a future life together. The reality was different. In fact, she slipped through my fingers during our college years. But in 1975 or '76 we reunited when she and her husband, the debonair journalist, Mike Putney, moved to California. But, alas, she got a divorce and moved back to Washington, DC. where she married Mark Wagner. Even as a continent separated us, Danie and I communicated by phone and email - irregularly but passionately (not that kind of passion!!). Danie was a profoundly wise and intelligent woman whose only flaw was to tolerate my quirks and wry sense of humor. She was a rare and cherished friend and then she died, leaving a hole in my life. I still miss her throaty laughter, her kindness and encouragement. |
