Little Edie Beale

I knew Edie Beale very well. I spent a lot of time with her between 1979 to 1984. Her mother had just died and she was living in Grey Gardens, all alone. We had many, many long conversations. They were either about mother, the house or Jackie. They were never boring. She was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. She sent me home-made birthday cards, Christmas cards and beautiful hand-written letters. Her penmanship was stunning, like a work of art. She allowed me to record two of our conversations which, from time to time, I still listen to. She was very special. Over and over, she made me promise that after her death, I would let everyone know she wasn't crazy. There was a very thin line, as delicate as an orchid;but to her, that thin line was the high wire where she performed for everyone,openly, honestly and free of charge. When she finally sold Grey Gardens for $225,000.00 and moved to a tiny apartment on East 62nd St in Manhattan, it shocked everyone;but I wasn't shocked at all. That little,one-room abode was heaven to her.Even though her lease said "no pets allowed" she brought three of her beloved cats with her from Grey Gardens. One of her neighbors had scratched the word "CATS" onto her apartment door. She couldn't have cared less. During those years in New York, I often took her to places I knew she had never been. I would make time for her. My friends and family would ask "Why are you wasting your time with this crazy old lady?"I remember always wanting to respond intelligently and philosophically; but all I could ever come up with was "because I like her".After all these years,I realize I could not have come up with a better answer. Drew Barrymore did not play the part of Edie Beale.She channelled her.She became her, body and soul. Now, Little Edie Beale can rest peacefully. Pleasant dreams. Michael Ippolito