The passing of two good women.....

Last Friday morning Eric lost his paternal grandmother, Thelma. She was in her 80's and had lived a very happy and full life. Eric told me he has fond memories of one on one time they spent at her home . And he is consoled by the fact that she was able to stay in her own home and not have to go into a nursing home. My memories of Thelma are of a soft spoken women who was a wonderful cook, created beautiful handiwork, and was much loved by her family. Here is a photo of Thelma with Ethan and Evan in Oct. 2004.


A week ago today an old friend of mine, JoEllen H, passed away from brain cancer. When I think about all the troubles in my own family I only have to remember back to all that has happened to the H's to regain my perspective....
I worked with JoEllen at the Public Library for many years. She and her family also lived in our subdivision. JoEllen had a daughter who was only 16 when she contacted spinal meningitis and never recovered. As if that loss was not enough, JoEllen's husband passed a few years later of a sudden heart attack. JoEllen was left to raise two boys alone. About a year later she found out she had breast cancer.....she fought hard and after chemo and mastectomy she went into remission for a number of years....last year the cancer returned and with a vengeance. Her suffering is over now. Her two boys have only each other for now. The youngest is still in school, so all the memorials were to help with his future education fund. Thanksgiving takes on a whole new meaning this year.......