Ronald Reagan was in office, U2 was hitting the music charts, and Juliet was grappling with an eating disorder, boyfriend issues, and a punk-rock aesthetic, always dressed in black. Her mother asked if she was attending her cousin’s wedding in Coral Gables, to which she said “yes.” Juliet was in college and low on funds, but her Uncle Brian, generously made certain she could attend.
Some of Juliet’s family stayed at the Miami River Inn while the wedding party and Uncle Brian stayed at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. It was winter, the season for family weddings and funerals in South Florida. While some of the family was checking in to the Miami River Inn, Uncle Brian made an announcement. “I rented a boat for an excursion in the Bay. We can fit exactly 7 people and the captain makes 8. Who is with me? “ The aunts got first dibs, and Juliet’s mother, eager to go, handed Juliet her 2-year-old sister and said, “You stay back with the children.” Cousin Charlie, 11, stayed with Juliet. While one more uncle and 15-year-old cousin Margie made their way to the power boat. Juliet waved as they left the dock, and they waved back as the captain powered the boat east. Juliet and Charlie watched as the boat slowly moved under a bridge and the wake became bigger as her family cruised into Biscayne Bay.
Juliet was saddened that she could not be with the rest of her relatives and felt the burden of caring for Charlie and her toddler sister. But there was a slight sense of pride in the responsibility. Uncle Andy, the youngest of Juliet’s uncles, hadn’t emerged from his room yet, but rumor had it that his dark room was littered with empty vodka bottles and a Vietnam War-era helmet. Juliet gathered the kids and walked back to the hotel, where they sat by the pool. She worried a little about Andy.
Upon his return from Vietnam, Andy was Juliet’s favorite uncle. His flamboyant attire and long wavy hair and big personality mesmerized her. He wore bell bottoms and sleeveless colorful shirts and walked barefoot . His laugh and stories always drew attention. On more than on occasion , the older brothers told him to put the joint away at family gatherings. Andy brought friends to parties at her grandfather’s home of all colors and sizes. Juliet’s grandfather always welcomed them. In recent years, Juliet didn’t understand what was going on with Andy but felt something was wrong. She had overheard late night phone conversations about him and knew her Mother was sick with worry.
Juliet, trying to make the best of the situation , asked Charlie if he wanted to swim. As they debated changing in swimsuits, Juliet caught a glimpse of Andy running out of the hotel straight for the pool. His freckled body, only covered in white tennis shorts, was a blur as he dove into the deep end letting out a grunt.
Juliet stood up and stared at the bottom of the pool with Andy laying there. She hoped that this was some kind of game. Charlie looked at her in disbelief. “ Are you going to do something? “ He asked. Andy did not move, his body stretched out and was lying still near the pool drain. Panic surged through Juliet’s body. . A few ideas flashed in her mind, but since Uncle Andy was easily 100 pounds heavier than her, she ran with her baby sister in her arms into the lobby and screamed for help.
“My uncle’s drowning!” She yelled.
The young man at the front desk, dressed in a thin black tie, white button-down shirt and black pants came running out, dove into the pool fully clothed, and made his way to the bottom. Without difficulty the front desk attendant pulled Andy up and out while he coughed and sputtered. He lay still on the concrete, eyes closed. After a moment, he came to, confused and asking, “What happened?”
Juliet thanked the clerk and apologized. The words did not seem adequate . “ You are a hero “ she said looking him in the eyes.” He shook his head. An intrusive thought crossed her mind. Had Andy tried to drown himself? Was he testing to see if anyone would save him? Her 11-year-old cousin, still in shock, kept muttering, “Holy shit.” Her baby sister was blissfully unaware.
Uncle Andy lay on the side of the pool for what felt like forever. His hair was a curly tousled mess of red on top of his head. His eyes were shut. But he was breathing now. Juliet didn’t leave the area; afraid he might try something again. Keeping her toddler sister occupied, Juliet sang rhymes and played eye spy until the boaters returned. The passengers returned oblivious to what had transpired. Juliet softly explained to Uncle Brian what had gone down, and Brian quickly went inside to thank the clerk who had already changed into dry clothes. Brian slipped the clerk a hundred-dollar bill. “ Do you need more? “ Brian asked. The clerk waved him off. “ I can’t thank you enough.” Brian said. Brian came out to the pool and took charge. “ Good job Juliet.” Brian helped Andy up and walked him to his room.
The boaters returned to their family weekend without much discussion. Only Juliet’s younger cousin Margie asked Juliet if she was all right. No one wanted to dwell on the accident or forget the reason we were all together, to celebrate a matrimony. What are you going to do about Uncle Andy? “ Juliet asked Uncle Brian quietly. “I’ll address it after the wedding.” He responded.
The anticipated nuptials took place the next day at the Church of the Little flower . Juliet found comfort in the stained glass that told biblical stories in blues, reds, yellows, orange and purple and green. The carved columns made her eyes rise and look at the wooded beams and follow the path of the hanging medieval chandeliers. Guests were on their best behavior and in their finest threads. Andy made his way to the pew where Juliet sat in khakis and a blue blazer with a red silk handkerchief peeping out of his chest pocket. He pulled down the kneeler and knelt and bowed his head in reverence for a long time. Juliet wondered what he was praying about and followed his lead by kneeling. She thanked God for saving his life. Those that were aware of the previous day’s incident were grateful to see him at the church sober.
Juliet and her aunts cried during the reading of the vows. As people gathered outside the church after the ceremony, voices rose in laughter and chatter like a chorus. Everyone walked or drove to the Biltmore just a few yards away. The extravagant celebration included elaborate purple orchid flower arrangements, a 7-tiered wedding cake and live music which erupted in dancing and toasts. The high spirits seemed in stark contrast to the events on the Miami River Inn. Juliet was comforted by the love and presence of her family.
Andy became sober shortly after that weekend. Through therapy, meetings and V.A. and family support he adopted a clean lifestyle and positive attitude, still telling stories and often the life of the party. He was the glue that kept the remaining family together after the older brothers passed. He stayed connected with everyone and always had something uplifting to say spreading news of births, nuptials, graduations, and baptisms. He became a positive force in Juliet’s life, and she enjoyed speaking with him every chance she could.
