People spring themselves into your life for a reason. Maryann has been a major part every time I worked at my summer job for three summers now. Think of a spunky barely five-foot tall Italian woman from Brooklyn who claims she isn't a day over twenty-five. She used to tell the boys at my pool that with a twist of her hip every time. She's awesome and unique. She sees eye to eye with everyone and doesn't put herself above anyone. Sometimes I feel like she tries her best to agree rather than making a fuss. Maryann's always willing to hear the other side and educate herself. Being close to eighty years old, she hasn't stopped learning. I admire various personality traits and qualities that she has. Over the years it seems that she has only ever improved herself. She doesn't judge harshly what she doesn't understand. She has talked to me of her romantic fling with a gay man, growing up with a protective and respectful truck driver father, working at Bank of America, getting over speech impediments, religion, and a bunch of various topics. She's up to date with the pool and all of its lifeguards because we are her children. She never married and never had kids of her own. Throughout her community she has been a kind and friendly soul to everyone. Sometimes I feel that she can be hypocritical but who isn't?
There are a lot of things I've learned from Maryann and she doesn't mind reminding me of all she teaches me. She likes knowing things and spreading information she's certain about and isn't afraid to say or be wrong. At times I don't want to talk and I'd rather read in the sanctity of a quiet and boring pool but she has managed to keep me grounded and has shown me how much human contact can enlighten me and make me think. She helps the time go by that's for sure. I can't really put our talks or how she affects me into words but I know that we both give each other purpose in a sense. She's always there to tell stories and I'm always there to listen. I'm not afraid to disagree with her and not afraid to interject my own views and I'm glad she isn't stubborn or snotty or reprimanding. She's flexible. I believe I'll hold contact with Maryann as long as she's alive. I hope she lives for a very long time. She's an interesting soul. She means well. I'm not here to bash her. Maryann has inspired me to write this because I don't want to forget about her. I don't think I ever will but it feels good to know that something I'm writing is about an influential person in my life. I've always had a love for a person's story and getting to know Maryann certainly makes me revel in that passion.
Note to self: read more biographies.
