Plant Chores
Plant Chores
Plant Chores
Speaking of my new very best good friend Alex. He was magic. Singer-songwriter, give you the shirt off his back, protector from all evil and creepy dudes, therapist, family man, entrepreneur of the sciences. Our platonic relationship was the answer to his monogamy. I had my very best girlfriend in him. He showed me how to play Florida, took me everywhere, we worked together, his family took me in as if I was one of their own; even cooked my favorite green beans! They stood in when my family was up north.
As with any great man, he had his darkness. Which he mostly kept to himself and more importantly he kept from me; as if protecting me. I thought that when I had my daughter he would be around, not in the same capacity, but still hanging out. He disappeared from my life (I was also responsible for not keeping in touch as much as I should have. I recently had a baby, found out my husband was an addict and left us; I had my hands full trying to survive). From 2010 till 2020 I maybe saw him 3 times. He died in 2022, because of lifetime of addiction that he ignored and never sought any medical treatment till it was too late. The sadness of his passing was overwhelming. Another person subjected to leaving too soon based on addiction. This was one more person to succumb. Another reminder of what I came from, what I could have been and where I was at that time. I realized that I needed to change because I had major potential to end up just like him. Not only did I have to change and become healthier I had to take that step that Alex did not, I reached out to my doctor to start the process and I’m glad I did. Physically and mentally, I was mess. I felt I was going to die too young and leave my family like he left his. I had to do this for me and to prove that I could overcome the things he could not. Again, you were there for me when you weren’t even present. Telling me I had time to change, and I must follow through. And that’s what I did. Thank you, Alex; I think about you often.
I finally got to see Jack Johnson in concert, something Alex and I always wanted to do. I knew at that concert you were speaking to me telling me you were there, had my back. I sobbed during Ziggy Marley’s set. One of our favorite artists. You see, I feel in love with Jack Johnson through him. Alex even tricked me one time saying that JJ was at a local bar, and we had to hurry and get there before he left; I believed him, I got in the car and he started driving then blew his cover; JJ was not there. Alex always got a kick out of tricking bitches. He was a master of making people feel welcome and loved to make people laugh. He also had serious thoughtful side, when I needed it. I was anxiety ridden back in those days. I used to introduce myself as “Crazy Meredith”. He was my rock.
I have craved his perspective and guidance over the years… I miss that most. One last great memory: We wrote a song one night while hanging out at Honest John’s Fish Camp (“Down on Hudson Circle North” a Homage to the neighbors living on my street; It was hilarious but true). A guitar in his hand, a few strangers and my bad singing; we made a historic memory. I wish I had that piece of paper with the lyrics.
Song inspo: Sublime Boss - D.J. & Ziggy Marley – Beach in Hawaii
