Going through some photos, I found this. This is Luis, Chandra's husband. He was killed in a swimming accident in 2001. He had gone to work, and nobody was there to let him in. I never really knew whether he went in too early, or his boss was late; in any case, his ADHD kicked in, and he went home. Chandra was off that day, and sleeping in. He told her he was going for a swim.
She thought he came back. She thought he got into bed, still damp from the pool. She thought he gave her a hug.
The next thing she knew, it was an hour later and the police were knocking on the door. He had been found face-down in the pool. Fortunately, neighbours who knew him had already identified him, so she didn't have to see him until the funeral home people had worked their morbid miracle.
He was a mercurial person, moody and intense. He could chortle and caper like a child, and, an hour later, be sunk into gloom that only ferocious drawing could alleviate. His artwork was intense, disturbing and beautiful.
This is one of my favourite pictures of him, and this is how he looks when I see him on the street. Yes, even after five years, I still see him every once in a while.
Such a stupid accident. Don't swim alone.
Oh, Ronni! That is so sad!
ReplyDeleteHe looks kind of reflective in that picture. Such a handsome boy.
The chain of events leading up to his accident, gave me a shiver. So unfair!
It was sad. He could be a total jerk at times, but Chandra loved him and now she is alone. There were far-reaching consequences in his own family, as well.
ReplyDeleteSo sad.
ReplyDeleteToo young to have left this world.