Central Park Bench Dedication

As I sat on the plane, on my way home from this most glorious weekend in New York City, I reflected on how wonderful it was, how hard it seemed to get here and how quickly the weekend went. A little over a month ago, I was ready to give up, deciding it was an impossibility to even think of going to New York, (unless I hitch-hiked and slept on that bench!). But everything came together several days before the departure, and I finally packed with great relish, anticipating all the fun things that we would be doing together. I worked half a day at school, had lunch with my dear husband and then headed for the airport. I was on my way!

I guess I must have looked very suspicious because I got the medium security check on the computer and camera case. The security man opened the laptop and looked at it. I told him he was more than welcome to turn it on, he would see a most handsome man in the world. Said he, “I would rather look at a woman.” Responded moi, “Do you think I would be looking at a woman when I have a gorgeous man to look at?” We both laughed and I proceeded onward. When the plane finally arrived over the skies of NYC, I was awestruck! It was clear and I think I could see every light in Manhattan! It was totally awesome! I don’t think I have ever seen so many lights before in my life.

The next morning dawned cloudy and cold, but was filled with sweet anticipation. I took advantage of the large tub, then got ready and met folks downstairs for the continental breakfast. Mary and others left early with some things for the bench dedication and a group of us left a little later. I will not say we got lost, but we certainly had a bit of a problem finding the bench! Finally we were pointed in the right direction and then we saw Mary and some of the others. What a relief that was! I am a worrier and I had begun having visions of missing the dedication. Perhaps, even, becoming lost in the park altogether, only to be found by the intrepid Balto (the sled dog that has a statue in the park). But Patricia Crumpler quietly persevered, Ginger, (Pat’s sister in law) explored and we finally made it with several minutes to spare.

There was already a small crowd when we got there, and musicians were setting up. The bench was decorated nicely with some of Mary’s pictures of Guy in his various roles. A black cape, owned by Wendell Vega, along with his sword, and an arrangement of flowers completed the decorations. David Fernandez, a very dear young man and the star of the Zorro children’s ballet was on hand in his Diego costume, handing out roses. He came out of respect to the man who was his greatest influence in his interpretation of the role of Diego de la Vega/Zorro.

Wendell Vega made it to the mall shortly after we did. When the musicians began playing we were all surprised to recognize the various musical pieces from the show. It warmed me inside to hear these familiar themes, even as my outside was slowly freezing. Several of us would look at each other when each song began and say, “Oh, that’s ‘The Fox and the Coyote’ or ‘La Gaviota’ or ‘Diego’s Theme’!” Bravo, Mary! Bravo, Erik (van der Wal, who created the arrangements)!

As I had a part in the dedication, I refused to wear a jacket over the ‘Zorro shirt’ that a friend had made me a couple of years ago. Let me repeat—it was cold!! But I was so excited that I ignored the worst of the discomfort and enjoyed everything that was going on. There was so much happening that it was virtually impossible to catch everything. Just as the dedication was about to begin, SueZZZ Pearce and Paulette Hopkins found us and almost on their heels we saw Wendell and Guy, jr. approach. How surprised and happy we were to see his mother coming with him. We had not expected that, but it was such a thrill that she could come and be a part of this. I cannot put into words how wonderful that was to me. After all, this was the city in which they began their lives together. This was where Guy proposed to Janice and where they came often, even after Guy, jr. was born. Janice had walked in the park the day before and had mentioned how much she remembered of the park and how much was still the same.