A Year Ago

A year ago tonight I didn't know that it would be my last night with my beloved Linda. But it was.

I am doing OK, as Linda was totally confident that I would be. When I would say but I might die first. she would respond, "I would just cry and cry and cry."

Well, I've done plenty of that but less and less over time.

Tonight I was rereading notes and letters I received. They made me smile.

One from a former colleague of mine at Queens College who became a dear friend reminded me of a pottery casserole dish that Linda and I bought from the potter.

Sue loved the macaroni and cheese from an old Fannie Farmer recipe that Linda would make in that pottery dish.

Here is what Sue wrote about Linda as a mentor and a "human being":

"Her no-nonsense questions and suggestions changed my professional decision-making on more than one occasion and her strategizing skills are something I continue to try to emulate. . . .

She was fierce, funny, practical, wise, spectacular, astute, thoughtful, determined, trustworthy and loving."