What a find!

By chance we found a ‘useless’ life. We were given a consignor’s auction stash of books and CD’s; a world, a life, literally was opened up before our eyes. Greek, he changed his name’s initial letter from Z to S, a Communist, a wine afficionado ( 2 spoiled white Rieslings and one dark dinner sherry still potable). He was probably born in 1950's, schooled in Georgia in the 60's, a cellist and golfer in high school, lived in Atlanta, Columbus, Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio. Between 1988 and 1994 earned between $250,000 and $300,000 per year. Along the line co-habited a expensive apartment with a woman. Bought a $240,000 house in the 80's. Was an insurance actuary. Received a certificate from Wharton Business School, Possessed a 1965 King James Bible, a gift from his parents, unopened. Had a girlfriend ( who used two names) and many girlfriends who ‘loved’ him. Tested for AIDS but not affected. Traveled many times by air. Serious interests in advanced math, bridge and chess. Many of his math books are of high value on Alibris. Also involved in mountain climbing, golf, poker, gambling on the horses, skiing, running. Interested in health and wellness, American art and painting. Obsessed with Viet Nam, the JFK conspiracy theories and the overall conspiracy of the U.S. to suppress peoples around the world. Exclusively left wing politics in his books which include writings of Communists like Marx, Lenin, Castro and Che Guevera, in Russia, Cuba and America. He was a product youth of the 60's. Interested in investing and economics, military history, biography, philosophy, evolutionary biology, physics, fiction and non-fiction relating to spying. Almost exclusively into classical music especially Beethoven, string quartets, cello, with a smattering of artists from the 70's such as the Doors and the Who. His CD collection filled 4 huge boxes, his books, 21 boxes. He often patronized the Strand book store in New York and obviously purchased many books. What a haul. What a life.

Our backs and arms are killing us from loading, unloading, hauling and counter-hauling, packing and unpacking. My wrist is limp. His back welcomes Icy Hot; his system aspirin. A home-made, topless wagon proved invaluable for the back and forth trips. The icy ground did not help our efforts. Would any of our offspring like a new table top book on art from Georgia O’Keefe for Christmas?

The life of a leftie, ( gay?), Communist and anti-American sympathizer unfolded, bright, well-paid, privileged, who without a family or a God, life left him apparently with nothing undesired.. What a country to provide our man with as much as this! Yet we think we found was a useless life.