Herb Reich
HERB REICH
I
t was shortly after my husband Tom died in 2017 that I met Herb Reich. A coincidental meeting between my daughter, Wendy, and Herb’s daughter, Amanda, resulted in our being “fixed up,” ergo he called me out of the blue and we met. It only took around three dates for the chemistry between us to take effect, and a bombshell was born. He had been widowed for nine years and had learned to live alone in ways which less independent people might not have achieved. Although he adored his children and grandchild, he was resigned to his solitary way of life in his home in Hastings, New York. So I really do not know why he called me. Apparently he initially hesitated, so I emailed the absolute best picture of me to Wendy who somehow got it to Herb, and I believe that inspired him to contact me. We spoke for over an hour on the first phone conversation, and I recognized a fascinating and diverse intellect, gracious person and hopefully a good date! We first met at what we later referred to as “our restaurant.” We ate Chinese food (which he wanted incessantly), and the magic began. During the first five minutes, he leaned over his outstretched elbows and declared with enthusiasm: “You are so attractive!” Five minutes later, he repeated the same declaration. I invited him to a performance at SUNY and kissed him on the cheek when we went to our cars. We were in our 80’s and yet felt like teenagers as a romance blossomed… and fast. The attraction was so intense that we actually searched Page 165
