Hi Everyone -

Been through the ups and downs of sorting through the aftermath - insurance, retirement checks, getting my brother what he needs as administrator of the trust. A little family bickering - but I expected that. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors included her in a group of people they recognize who have passed when they close their session. Sent my brothers and sister and me a beautiful memorial folder signed by the Supervisor where she lived. They recognized her because of her years of teaching in LA. So proud of her!

I'm up and down and all over the place...I know the drill - been through it before. I look at the most recent pictures of my mom. What seemed to be a vacant smile now looks like misery. Like she's saying, "Let me out!" She would squeeze my hand so hard it hurt, even after she couldn't carry on a conversation. Like she was trying to let me know she was still in there.

In the small Pennsylvania town where she was born they hold a Memorial Day parade. My grandparents always went to the cemetaries and left flags. A beautiful tradition. I miss them all so much but they're reunited again and happy.

Hi Joanie! Today can be tough. I know I am thinking of, & missing my Daddy today. I'm glad, so many people knew what a great lady she was, and honored her, in so many ways. That is such a blessing.

Perhaps you would like for Joyce to make a Quilt Square, in her honor? Check the board, we have handed her the Quilt Project, and she is whipping them up like mad!. We have Four Panels hanging in the hall of "The Alzheimers Foundation Of America" in New York, and then they will go on tour, in September this year. (2009) Joyce is making them all, and all she needs is a digital photo!

Go gently with yourself. This is a good place to come, with grief, I think.

Joanie,
I too am having ups and downs. They say it gets better and I know it will but that doesn't make it any easier now.
I was looking at recent pictures of Bill and like you said what looked like a smile at the time now looks like pain and suffering. That lost scared look is what I see now when I see those pictures.

I'd be glad to make a quilt square for you. As Sky said all I need is for you to send me an email picture and I will do the rest. I will be mailing ten squares tomorrow to have two more panels made. Every five pictures will be made into a panel. I've started on those to make another one already. I'll send you my email address in case you are interested.
Take care and we'll get through this together.