Sorry its been so long

These past couple of weeks have been strange.

I have been sick with a hideous, mind-numbing cold. Dave brought it home from his school kids. They always share. This thing comes and goes. And, then comes back again . . . or it is a different one just mimicing the other one.

I have to use vacation time up by the end of the year, so I've been taking a day here and there which is good but I'm not getting anything done. Seriously, nothing.

A dear friend died last Thursday, November 8. He had collapsed at our house on Labor Day, was in the hospital for several days and then transferred to a rehab unit. Herb was the most gentlest of souls and will be sorely missed. His wife is a very dear friend whom we have known for 27 years. Janet has always said that when Herb died she would move from Cleveland to Dallas where two of her sons live. None of her children live in the Cleveland area but one of Herb's kids and several grandchildren do live close by.

At the memorial service on Sunday, one of Janet's sons approached me and told me that I am the only one that can convince Janet not to make any rash decisions. He said that she needs to wait at least a year but they are all afraid that she will move and live to regret it.

Janet and Herb were married for 28 years. Herb was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 1994, but his doctors are convinced that he was showing signs in 1988. He had been working in a bank and took a "very early" retirement because he was unable to prepare reports and the numbers just didn't work for him anymore. Over the years, he had participated in over 30 research projects, many while he was still able to be a very active participant in the programs.

Janet was absolutely fabulous. She retired seven years ago when Herb was no longer able to be alone. They travelled and laughed and cried together. While they could still fly, they travelled the globe. After Herb was no longer able to fly, they drove. EVERYWHERE. Janet would load up Herb, the dog (Edith . . . three dogs over a period of time, always called Edith) and food and they would hit the road.

My youngest daughter went on many trips with them. She would teach Herb how to read again and again and again. This is the child who does not suffer fools well, but Herb brought out the best in her.

I will miss Herb, for the gentle person he was and for the kind of people he allowed us to be around him.