Apparently I am a taker, or maybe I’m just one who is always in need of something.

If I was thought to be in search of something, anything, Irene would ask me “Whatcha need?” The lack of complete word enunciation rather bothered me but I never said anything about it. I think she picked up the ‘whatcha’ thing from her dear friend Charlene. I cried with Charlene a few times when Irene was ill, and also when I called her to let her know that Irene had gone to Heaven.

‘Whatcha’, I believe is, or at least was, an East Coast manner of speech.

Irene had known Charlene for many, many years while working for Dow Jones and Company Inc. Charlene was a mentor to her, as was another very dear friend and colleague, Lisa. The three of them understood one another, enjoyed the same interests, had similar beliefs and values, including political stance.

Stories upon stories I would hear that included Charlene and Lisa. They were staples in Irene’s professional upbringing. Irene worked for both of them in her career, which often included working for and with one another. The three of them enjoyed one another’s company. They would laugh, probably cry at times, but they would get things done.

As an ‘outsider’ of the threesome relationship, I saw the bond and it was strong. In my eyes, they were the team and it was wonderful to see such vigor and true bond of friendliness amongst them. Charlene and Lisa were not only friends and colleagues with Irene, they were friends with me too. I remember once Irene and I going to Charlene’s house in New Jersey where she lived with her wonderful mom. The area was picturesque and our time there truly memorable. From what I remember, I think the street even included some mob members. All I remember there were black cars parked at and in front of the house. So at least the neighborhood was safe.

And then there was Jim, Charlene’s brother. A very jovial man, huge smile, and always entertaining to be with and around. He ‘joined’ our family of friends and Irene was always connected with him for many years to follow. We enjoyed wonderful dinners at Jim’s apartment in New Jersey, and also met with him for lunch in Los Angeles years later. Our circle had grown larger…Charlene, Lisa, Jim, Irene, and me.

Throughout the years, careers changed, people moved, but the Dow Jones bond remained. I wonder how many hours were spent on the phone with any one of them, just talking about life. Hours, no joke. I didn’t mind any of it. Evidently they liked one another to continue their friendship for so many years. Irene’s happiness was always my happiness.

Often Irene would ask me “Whatcha need?” She was the giver.