I knew Paul when I lived in Wellesley. I graduated Wellesley Senior High in 1975. Paul was a little older than me. Paul and I got into all sorts of trouble back then. When I knew him, Paul talked about his father as 'Teuvo' (Tevvo or Tev) Lanen. Paul described his Finnish heritage. Paul's family lived about a mile north of my family's house in Wellesley.

After my family moved away from Wellesley, I managed to drive back to visit 2 or 3 times each year over the course of several years. I was able to find Paul and we chatted each time.

Many years ago, I had to visit Natick on business. This was long before the internet, email, and social media. I tried to find Paul in the white pages but none of the Lanen people I reached knew Paul.

Until I found this memorial, I had no idea that Paul had been stricken by MS. It's a very cruel disease.

It seems that Paul was able to straighten out his life and build meaningful and loving relationships. It's been over five years since Paul passed away. I wish I could have said goodbye before he left us.