by Wallace Wyss –
The light of my life, my wife Angelita, passed away a few days ago. And I feel guilty. Why? Because as a car guy, I had taken her on many car events, such as Pebble Beach Concours, Concorso Italiano, Ferrari Club picnics, etc. But never once asked her how she liked the event.
At each event, I’d sit her down only to then be off in my own little world, scrambling to get a picture of a car I wanted to paint a portrait of. I have only one souvenir of her car adventures with me, a photo of Arnold Schwarzenegger hugging her when we were accidentally invited into a posh Bentley party at Pebble Beach (maybe it was my white suit, they thought I must be important…).
She came from the Philippines and was immune to politics. I don’t think she realized he was the Guv’ner at the time. A very quiet person life-long, she never ventured her opinion. Not like her hubby who most agree toots too much.
Wallace Wyss – La Jolla Concours 2024
Only one time, at the La Jolla Concours, she sat with my friend Curtis Bien for three hours and told him her opinion of this and that, so much so he never saw the show. I was miffed, why did she tell him her opinion and not me?
And so it is. Looking back and trying to find memories of our more than a dozen years together, all I can tell you guys taking your lady to one event after another is, for Chrissake, stop once in a while and ask her if she likes the event, or what she’d rather do. And accomodate her.
Hug her as the Sun sets and you look out over the ocean or mountains. Make conversation with nearby couples at a table, maybe you’ll make great friends. In the twilight of my years, I don’t think I will ever again find such a great combination of relaxed personality, cooking skills, generosity.
I know this wordage isn’t about cars and this is a car website. But we gear heads have to recognize, we owe it to people first, cars are just metal bent to our will…
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
THE AUTHOR Wallace Wyss writes, photographs and paints oil portraits of his favorite cars. He can be reached regarding commissions at mendoart7@gmail.com
So sorry for your loss! Words never express the emotions fully but thank you for sharing.
GREAT BIG TIGHT HUG WALLY
Tough loss
I am sorry for your loss, and I appreciate your advice having just dragged my wife on a 2,000 mile trip in our Grifo to its birthplace.
Wallace,
My condolences on your loss. Do not feel any guilt. Everybody has their own style depending on people they are interacting with at the time, and she loved you with all her heart – if she didn’t she wouldn’t have gone to the car events with you!
Glenn in Brooklyn, NY
Wallace, thank you for sharing your thoughts about your wife and your loss during this difficult time. She demonstrated her love for you by going to the various car events you attended. As such, it is most likely that she was happy to be there, because she was there for you. Be well.
Wallace -my condolences .Such kind words Angelita sounds like a lovely lady.Willingly putting up with a car guy’s passions.A true friend ,and perfect wife.May she rest in peace.
Such a sweet sort of homage to her…
Wallace,
My sincere condolences. Thank you for your frank, personal thoughts. You are absolutely right; people should be first in our lives and bent sheet metal, second. Or farther down the list.
I know that you had great concerns about Angelina’s care the last time we communicated and I trust that you were able to care for her in the best ways in her final days. I hope that your memories will sustain you in this difficult time.
Best regards,
Clifford
My condolences Wally. I know the way you dealt with each other was exactly how she wanted it. I remember when you came by my shop; how she made known she wanted to see all the crazy cars here. I’m sure that IF she wanted you to include her more she would have told you so she was fine watching you do your thing from a distance. May she rest in peace and you keep going on your path as you are.
Best regards,
Maurice
Wallace, we all have our personal regrets and foibles. Thank the Lord that our wives love us in spite of all this. To have a spouse that’s really a friend and companion throughout life is a joy, a treasure and a blessing.
Just keep her in your thoughts…she’ll be with you.
From a veteran of 48 years of blissful marriage. Best thing I’ve ever done!
Robb
Wallace,
As a funeral director I have witnessed and assisted many individuals over the years who have lost their spouse and love of their lives. Be thankful for the time you had and cherish the great memories of time spent with Angelina. I hope you can share the many stories with friends and family at a meaningful gathering That may help you heal from your loss.
Perhaps share a favorite story from another event that she attended with you
Joe E
Wallace my wife and I will tip a glass of red and say a prayer for wife and you ! She’s in a better place and watching over you now ! Be ever watchful during your next show ok !
There must have been a natrual synergy. Probably both of you know getting married is like buying and restoring an old car.
Dear Wallace
I just saw this
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Angelita helped me secure the cherished T- shirts you made for me.
Try and stay strong and keep entertaining us with your endless wit and wisdom.
Warmest Regards
Adrian