met

In the Summer of 2000 I tried out on a lark for a play at Petersburg's New Salem Park entitled "Abe Lincoln In Illinois". Not having much stage experience (last play was in High School) I was a bit surprise when I was cast as Elizabeth Edwards. Elizabeth was " high-class, ladylike-to-excess", wife of Ninian Edwards & elder sister of Mary Lincoln Todd. At the time, I didn't know who the actor who played Ninian was. Our fabulous director Karl Bockemier arranged a read-thru to aquaint us with our fellow cast members and the script. It was at this time that a rather large fellow walks over to me, pulls up a chair, and says:

                                   "Well dear, since I'm your husband, I guess I ought to sit by my wife."

No doubt I had a puzzled look on my face, this person was wierd! Still, I made room for him, all the while thinking, "WHO THE HECK IS THIS GUY?!"

Time passed. Being as I was rather shy (it's okay, almost everyone who knows me now can't believe it either*L*) I didn't talk too many people except when scripted. This included Roger. He was easy to appreciate though, with his fabulous talent, and encouragement to everyone he came into contact with. However, there was no romantic attraction, not an ounce!

Excuse me for a second while I chase a rabbit, ok?...
One evening, during a rehearsal, Karl is coaching me on some lines. Elizabeth is ranting about something, and wants Ninian to be paying close attention. Karl emphatically states, "Make him LOOK at you!". Did I do a good enough job? *EG*...all right, rabbit's gone, back the story:

Opening nite came and went, it was so exciting! Something went awry on the 2nd nite though.   I'd flubbed some lines and berated myself the rest of the evening. Roger must have known, as he pulled me aside and gave me a very kind "pep talk". Instinctively I knew that he would have done the same for anyone. Later that evening at home I sent him a thank-you email. He deserved that courtesy. (The written word was much easier a form of expression for me) This led to a flurry of emails between the two of us, and an incredible friendship was formed.

                                                                      ....And that folks is how it all began!....