When I was about eighteen my older brother married Ronnie. She was a petite redhead with huge fiery curly hair. I loved her dearly. With four brothers, she was the big sister I never had.
In 1974 I returned to the US from a year abroad, studying Spanish in Mexico. I felt uncertain as to the direction my life should take. A teacher I admired had casually suggested I go to Austin and finish my education at the University of Texas. Not having a better idea, I applied, was accepted and got on a plane. Ah the spontaneity and optimism of youth.
I tell the story in more detail as to how I ended up in Austin at Down To Our Skivvies
I’m not sure what I expected in Texas, in August. It was hot as hell, like I swore you could fry eggs on the sidewalk. I was a fish out of water. I called home to the East Coast and talked to Ronnie. I was crying, homesick and wanting to throw in the towel. Nothing in Austin was familiar and I had no one to turn to. Instead of getting the sympathy I sought, I got a kick in the pants.
Ronnie told me to stay and figure it out! In a way she told me that I could do it. Her confidence in me gave ME confidence in me. And she was right.
There are so many forks in the road that can direct the rest of our lives. Staying in Austin was a big one for me. I found help, made friends, found housing, independence and a whole new life that lead to where I am today. I’m not sure I ever thanked Ronnie. She and my brother separated a few years later and I never saw her again. Hang on to people when you can. You never know when advice given or received can completely change someone’s life.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Nice. There are so many people to thank that we don’t know where they are or if they’re even alive now. Thanks for the memory!
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So true. I’ve often wondered about some people and if I’d made a difference. I’d like to think so.
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It’s a real shame you didn’t keep in touch but that’s life, I guess.
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When I was doing my Real Love Conf. Call I used to say that events, people, what we said, were like a pebble dropped in a pond–we could never be sure where the ripples would end up.
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Absolutely the truth. When I did counseling at the Health Department I had to have faith that something stuck.
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Sorry, lost Ronnie. But I’m here to kick your butt if you ever need it. Just let me know.
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Every day!
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Ha!
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