In Memory of My Friend Marvin

I’m not sure what I would call Marvin.

Client? Recipient? Friend? I mostly called him Marv.

For over five years, every Tuesday, I met with Marv on his front porch.

I was just a driver, delivering his Kosher meals on wheels. But over time it became more than that. We shared a lot in common. A love sports, music, political points of view and trivia.

In his early 90s, Marv was surprisingly knowledgeable and interested in current events. In my first year, delivering meals to him, he would open the door a crack, reach for the bag and say thank you very much.

But over the last several years, he met me on his front porch eager for conversation. Sometimes when I  pulled up, I’d see him sitting in his chair on the porch with his chin in his chest asleep, waiting for me. When he heard my car pull up, he’d get up and wait for me to approach.

Thus began the conversations. I always came armed with a list for him, a trivia contest, questions about his favorite this or that. One day he surprised me when I gave him a list of famous singers, and asked him who he preferred. When it came to his all-time favorite, I was surprised to find that we shared Roy Orbison in common.

I know his life wasn’t easy, but he never complained.

With over a 20 year difference in our ages, I didn't initially see him him as a friend.

But I guess that’s the best description.

Marv wasn’t doing so good lately. I used to visit him in the rehabilitation center every week with his favorite candy bar. Within the last couple weeks Marv fell and was in Henry Ford Hospital. I visited him on Wednesday and he wasn’t doing too good.

I just found out that he passed away on Saturday on his 93rd birthday.

Rest in peace, Marv. You will be missed.