Annmarie Throckmorton, M.A.
- Mar 16

Persona Non Grata

All of the half dozen or so men with whom I ever discussed marriage have passed away. That ship has sailed. The memories are not easy.

Obituary for Steven L. Root, died at age 53: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/toledoblade/name/steven-root-obituary?id=27564107

The late Steven Root gave me several pieces of lovely, expensive jewelry during the years that I knew him. I thanked him but he knew that jewelry is not something that I am passionate about. He once airily told me that he gave me flowers, "not so much to give them to (you) but because I like giving flowers." It was difficult to feel appreciative for such conflicted gifts.

Steven did not propose marriage to me on one knee offering an engagement ring; no, he simply coolly asked, "How much would your parents give if we married?" Give him? This alerted me to his lack of tenderness for me and I replied with equal chill, "When my parents give money, they give it to me." We never discussed marriage again. He eventually became a multimillionaire through very hard work and inheritance.

Steven was unable to make love to me, although the last time I saw him he cried out to me, "I love you." Moments later he walked away.

After I meet and spent a little time with Steven's mother, I believed him when he told me that his mother habitually and horribly abused him in many ways, including sexually; and then his family called him crazy and ostracized him. I came to pity and fear him.

One of his family members posted the following in his memorial:

"May God let my Uncle Steve now rest in peace and may God also watch over Steve's family as they grieve the loss of him." (emphasis added)

Persona Non Grata