the yellow brass doorknob was unlocked. i turned it and entered the small office. this was a surprise; the office phone had been disconnected since january.
from a distance came a hearty "take a seat. i'll be right with you."
the small office was an impressive collection of law books and impressive yellowing degrees; the deep scars of a lifetime fighting mindless prejudice hardly showed, but the trailmarks of an impressive and lengthy practice of law were abundantly visible.
"come in. may i help you?"
the distinguished well dressed gentleman, sitting behind the desk, was handsome, cordial and businesslike.
"4 years ago, you drew up some documents for me and gave me some sage advice, which has served me well. i have another legal question, and i know you shoot straight and i dont trust anyone else...."
after discussing the legal matters, we talked about life and things.
"you knew my wife. she's been dead nearly 10 years. she was...."
" i closed the office in january. my wife has been in a nursing home for quite some time. i've been in cleveland clinic twice; a staph infection, contracted there nearly killed me.
i still come in to the office a few days a week. i miss the practice, the courts, the lawyers, helping people. attornies still call me, asking for my advice."
as i stood to leave, i heard "i must apologize for not standing to shake your hand."
deeply moved, i offered my hand, and with the other, for some unknown reason, touched his forehead.
with throat choking from emotion and eyes beginning to tear, i hurried to the door, perhaps for the last time.
time's seasoning of an accomplished man of character is a tragedy, as is the loss of one of the few last genuine believers in human dignity and civility that i know.