The letter from GW came two days ago, I thought it was the usual request for money. I was wrong, I was stunned, I was profoundly sad. The news of Nate’s passing was unwelcome but the memories it brought flooding back were sweet. From my perch in the costume shop Nate was a bit of a mystery to me my first year at GW. I was a transfer student, living at home, a bit detached from things except the inner workings of the costume shop. That would change the following year when I auditioned for and got a part in “The Hostage.” Nate took a chance on a “techie girl” being able to handle the romantic lead in a show that required not only Irish step dancing (long before Riverdance), but also Irish accents and singing. I can still remember that first read through when I got to the part where it said, “she sings”, I just about fell over. Nate assured me it would be fine, he gave me the courage to do something I never, EVER thought I would do, SING on stage. Nate patiently took that cast As time has passed I’ve lost touch with so many friends, including Nate but many of my life experiences have brought him to mind time and again. …The joy so evident on his face in his and Vicki’s wedding pictures. …Nate sitting at the costume shop table, the concern on his face so apparent. He was terribly worried about a sonogram during Vicki’s pregnancy that showed there might be a problem…The pride on his face when he welcomed the cast to his home for a party, he was deep into renovations at the time, making a beautiful home for his bride and their future children.
Now pushing forty myself and having lived through similar life events I can appreciate Nate’s wisdom so much more. Directing class–”Be prepared!” “BE PUNCTUAL!!” “Always carry a tape measure.” This bit of wisdom stemmed from his home renovations. When I renovated my own home I learned the hard way HE WAS RIGHT!!
Finally a funny moment that comes to mind … Nate slowly walking into the costume shop holding up a denim mini skirt. “Does this belong to anyone in here, it’s been in my office for weeks.”
“It’s not Vicki’s?”
Him with a smirk “No, no it’s not Vicki’s.”
“I’ll take it”
Nate eyes me, holds up the skirt, “It won’t fit you- it’s too small.”
Slow burn!!! “What size is it?”
Nate fumbles, looks at the tag “size 8.”
“HA! I’m a 6!”
One of the few times I got to best Nate. I wore that skirt for a long time loose… then a bit tighter… then kept it to remember my waistline before pregnancy! Where did that skirt come from??
The passage of time brings us so much but robs us of so much in payment. I’ll always feel cheated that it robbed me of one more chance to banter with Nate.
If you read this Vicki please accept my deepest sympathies. Please tell your sons that their father is fondly remembered and deeply respected by so many, including a theater tech he encouraged to act so many years ago.
