Losing a Friend

She worked in my husband’s clinic. He always praised her work ethics, kindness, and general overall wonderful personality. I knew her through him, but also whenever I had a doctor appointment or speaking with her on the phone trying to contact my husband. She had a presence - and four daughters that were highly regarded. Whenever we visited the Midwest after we moved to DC, we always made it a point to visit her. She regularly sent birthday and Christmas cards. The last time we saw her was two years ago when we visited the Midwest. The last time we spoke was on the phone for my husband’s birthday not that long ago. Aside from the usual aches and pains of aging, she sounded good. Her husband was going through more health issues. So it was with a sad heart that we learned Bette had passed away unexpectedly this week. I found an old photo of her and my husband from the clinic and posted it on Facebook. A lot of our friends knew her too having worked in the hospital and had office visits themselves. Bette was the glue of the clinic - everyone knew her. Rest In Peace sweet Bette. We, and a lot of other people, will miss you! 

Retirement Party at the Library of Congress

It’s been a while since I visited the Library of Congress. I worked there for ten years and retired two plus years ago. One of our friends - and my colleague - had a retirement party yesterday. He sent us an invitation and we thought it would be nice to go. We have a few things in common. He went to Florida State, as did I; both of his brothers played Major League Baseball - my brother was drafted by the Orioles; he grew up in West Palm Beach - I grew up on Florida’s east coast; we are about the same age; and we ended up working in the same department at the Library. So we had many morning coffee breaks together and have since become good friends. So my husband and I walked on over after lunch. The affair was in a Congressional Reasearch room on the second floor - the same floor my office was on. From the minute we got there I saw so many familiar faces and I was happy to finally introduce my husband to so many people he had heard about. All I  can say is that it feels so much better visiting than working. And I’m hoping we will see more of Mike now that he’s retired.