Happy Birthday, Gene!

Last Friday evening, February 2, 2024, Paul and I were invited to join an 80th Birthday celebration for Gene, one of our oldest friends in Santa Cruz. The location was at Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant on Pacific Avenue.

The celebration impressed us tremendously on multiple levels. First, the food was exceptionally abundant and delicious. It has been a while since we saw such a bounty. Second, Fran, our hostess, was generous and attentive, lavishing us with drink tokens and personal conversation, even though she had to keep an eye on her husband every second. Third, it was truly a reunion of family and friends. Thanks to Fran's organizational skills, the couple gathered together their two children, granddaughter, nephew, two sisters and one brother-in-law, along with lifelong friends from different circles, particularly the Philosophers Club, now semi-active since Gene's illness. The celebration was extraordinary considering Gene's present condition. 

Through Paul, I began to be acquainted with Gene and later Fran in 1989 when just coming to Santa Cruz for my graduate study. In those 35 years, Gene taught, became Dean of Electric Engineering Department, and recently retired from San Jose State University. He used to have an imposing physical presence, tall and robust, always with a ready twinkle in his eyes. He and Fran dated, married and soon had a daughter and son in a quick succession. 

During the same period, Paul and I were busy putting our life together, with the studio growth, graduations, coming of age, weddings and grandchildren. Gene and Fran have been our constant guests and supporters. Even during his fragile moments, Gene who had acted as one of his academic references asked about Nick in great detail, such as where he was working and what he was actually doing. 

Thirty-five years flew like a blink: newer generations have sprung up while the older ones have disappeared. The strong becomes weak whereas the young becomes strong and mature. With an album the hostess brought for the occasion, I saw many a friend gone forever from us. Meanwhile, I began to know a couple of new faces at the celebration, such as Nancy from Aptos and Laura, a former student of Gene's. No wonder, we stayed well past 9:00 pm when we were supposed to leave. It is the occasion for old and new friends to come together.