Sadly, this week it was more like Goodbye. I found out Wednesday evening that a very close friend whom I loved with all of my heart passed away. His name was Ron Steinberg, and he was (for many years) the man who ran the Ramsdell Theater in Manistee. This is the community theater I grew up acting in...I did my first show when I was five. I have acted in, assistant directed, played in the orchestra for and co-produced more shows than I can count on both hands. The actors always changed, the sets always changed, the costumes always changed. What NEVER changed was Ron. He was always there, a staple at the theater in a way that made it feel like home.
Over the years Ron became a very good friend to me. When I was living in Michigan and Kevin was on the road Ron would help me out with rides or, when the going got really tough, a little bit of money now and then. No, it was not a romantic thing...he could have been my grandfather...but he watched over me. Maybe he felt like family since I had basically grown up spending two hours a night, five nights a week with him for years and years. Whatever the reason, he was always there no matter what.
I am not sure how he died...I know that he had pretty bad diabetes and was on dialysis. He didn't show up to his regular morning breakfast and when somebody went to check on them they found him. What breaks my heart the most is that he had to die alone. Here's a man who gave so much to the community and when his end came there was no one there...It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
I choose the title to this blog in his memory. One of Ron's favorite songs was "Hello Again" by Neil Diamond. You will be missed, my dear. Perhaps we will all see you again, haunting the Ramsdell right next to your old friend TJ.
No comments:
Post a Comment