Meeting Joan Rivers in a diner

 I was in a diner  near Joan River’s apartment a couple of years ago. when she swept in with her assistant, bringing a whoosh of energy with her. I was so excited that I called out, “Ho, Joan!”

She turned and said, “What’s your name?”

“Rochelle,” I said.

With the same breathless excitement, wide-eyed, no mocking, she said, “Hi, Rochelle!”

Right now I’m saying goodbye and I can swear that I hear her answer, sadly, “Bye Rochelle.”