Hi Dottie, what a surprise! Thank you so much. It hit me as I submitted that I was kind of hijacking the thread which wasn't my intention. It just seems so strange what major changes can happen in a year. I needn't tell you about the helpless feeling and the impact of that hideous disease. I so often wonder why so many great people die young while others get to enjoy life. I guess I just try to console myself with the thought that the good people did more and hopefully enjoyed more in their lives than the other could possibly hope to enjoy.

And like I said, and I think you of all people realize, that it does put a different perspective on things doesn't it? If you don't make a stoplight, get overcharged for something, don't get "extra pickles" on the Whopper.... it really isn't as big as we thought is it? I know as the years go by I've learned to realign my priorities. And not to sweat as much about things about which I can do nothing.

Thank you again for your kind words. Colleen was truly a joy to know and she was a feisty redheaded gal I'll remember all my life. She was one who would speak her mind but was pretty tactful, well most of the time! She had a way about her that few if any have ever had. I'll never forget when she went up to a screaming child in a store the one day and said You know, if you don't settle down right now, I'm going to have to go over and SLAP your mother! LOL He was so stunned, he quieted down, and his mother just busted out laughing! Now I realize what would happen if *I* tried that, but she had a knack of dealing with people young and old. She spent so many years taking care of ailing family members it seemed like she got to where she'd sort of have some time to herself and then had to take on a battle. Just doesn't seem fair. But I digress.

For everyone who's lost a loved one, be it human or a critter companion, I propose we take a deep breath, think of a favorite memory for a second and wish them well.

Dottie, I hope you and your family are able to relax and enjoy the beautiful summer we're having. I finally got my lawn mowed!

I missed the thread that Dottie referred to, Cynic, but I'm sorry for your loss.

So sorry to hear about your friend.

Cynic, you didn't, at all, hi-jack the other post. What you said was pertinent to what the subject was. I just didn't want what i had to say to you, get lost. Your friend Colleen sounds like she was a special gal, fun and interesting to know.

What you said about putting things into perspective is so true. It was a lesson i learned last year when i was in a dither about some meaningless thing, then we lost our son. It hit home for me that I shouldn't sweat the small stuff. I'm glad you got your lawn mowed. That is the only good thing about living in an APT,,,,looking out the window to see someone else mowing and in the winter, shoveling & p;owing. Take care, friend. Dottie