Quite a Coincidence
Now that I’m approaching the end of my life, I notice I enjoy reminiscing about days gone by. I also wonder why I remember certain things that others may find completely inconsequential and I especially enjoy remembering things that bring a smile to my face. One such experience occurred somewhere in Queens, NY in approximately 1965 or 1966. I felt it was an unbelievable coincidence and I think to myself, “what were the odds of something like that happening?”
I was a new graduate nurse working on the Pediatric floor at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village when some of my nursing friends invited me to attend a Sunday afternoon party somewhere in Queens, NY. I wasn’t very familiar with this neighborhood and I don’t remember very much about the party except for the fact that when it was time to leave, I went to grab my coat off the bed where all the coats were thrown, when a handsome young man who who was getting his coat and leaving the same time as me struck up a conversation. We stood there talking for quite a long time - there seemed to be an instant connection - and before I left with my nursing buddies, this well-dressed gentleman, Mr. Hugh
Daniel “ Danny “ Greene had already made plans for us to get together again soon and had my phone number securely in hand. I remember being excited over this unexpected, last minute meeting and I looked forward to a future date with this attractive guy.
Given the fact that the originally planned get-together was an afternoon event, my friends decided to continue partying. They knew the neighborhood well and brought me to a local hangout in a nearby area of Queens. It was the first time I’d ever been to this particular location but it was typical of many of the places where young people met up for drinks, conversation and dancing. I remember that I had to show proof of age at the door. The place was relatively crowded but eventually I found myself sitting at one end of the bar next to a guy who struck up a conversation with me. He was quite good looking, personable and friendly, and he seemed genuinely interested in me. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I certainly am lucky! What are the chances of meeting two great guys in one day.”
When he asked me for my phone number, telling me he’d like to see me again, I was happy. But, when he told me his last name, my mouth dropped. His name was Peter Greene!
I hadn’t met just any other good-looking nice guy. Oh no, I had actually met Danny Greene’s younger brother. What were the chances of that!
