They would have been married 71 years June 29, 2006. As my father once told me he was a one-woman man.

Though they both had minor health problems, atrial fibrillation and hypertension, the last 30 or so years of their lives were comparatively healthy. That is until Dad tripped on the hall carpet runner and broke his left humerus bone in late November 2002. After a short hospital stay, Dad was transferred to a local nursing home for Rehab. Each day of his stay in the hospital and nursing home, Mom was with him, transported by either one of my siblings or myself. We often shared meals with him and on Thanksgiving I brought a complete dinner so Dad could feel more at home. During this stay Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Despite this diagnosis Mom was determined to have her husband home with her and after minor changes to their ranch style home including removal of all loose carpets, installation of handrails in the hall and grab bars in the bathroom, Dad was home on Christmas Eve 2002.

What joy we all experienced to have him home! At first he seemed confused and since he was now receiving medication for Alzheimer's , we researched and found a doctor who made house calls for elderly patients who had mobility difficulties. As siblings my brothers and sisters and I developed a plan to spend time with my parents so they weren't alone for long periods of time and we could provide 1neals and support for them. My sister Rosemary, spent Fridays and Sundays, my brother, Ron spent Mondays and Tuesdays,

But Thursdays I will always remember fondly. When Dad was still with us I would usually arrive late morning or lunch time. I would either bring chicken from a favorite local restaurant, hamburgers or a meal I would bring from home. Often on earlier days, Mom would want to rest and I would make eggs and toast for Dad. After eating we would sit in the TV room and Dad would watch Family Feud or the Arts channel. He seemed to enjoy watching and listening to all forms of dance or music. He would nap and wake to have a snack of cheese curls or cantaloupe. As difficult as the Alzheimer's was, Dad did know me and acknowledge my presence. In the beginning he would look at me as if he didn't know me especially when I said "Hi Dad". He seemed to be thinking "How could this middle-aged woman be my daughter?" But I would always greet him with a smile and kiss and say "Hi, Dad how are you?" When I left in the afternoon, I would always kiss him on the cheek or forehead and say "Bye Dad, I'll see you in a couple of days. I love you." He would kiss me back and look at me and say "I love you too."

Then the inevitable day came when Dad wasn't feeling well. It was Father's day, June 19, 2006, he felt a chill, was coughing and didn't want to eat or get out of bed. After a difficult week, Dad passed at home. I received a call just after midnight and raced to their home. He was gone. Needless to say Mom was very distraught calling to him and weeping. The funeral director was at the home and needed to remove him. I put my arms around her and walked her into the extra bedroom, sat next to her and cradled her in my arms. I let her cry and through my tears I sang every choir song I could think of that I

thought would comfort her. From Amazing Grace to How Great Thou Art to Total Praise. My sisters and brothers who were in the other room told me I sounded like an angel. The funeral followed and was very difficult for Mom. We surrounded her with love to see her through. She was understandably very depressed but always found joy in her children and grandchildren.

'The last six months to a year before her passing Mom changed in subtle ways. She became anxious, sleeping less and more reluctant to go out even to the doctor. The doctor prescribed anti-anxiety medicine for her and encouraged her to have blood work and keep her appointments but Mom would inevitably have a reason not to comply, she was too tired, it was too cold or too hot etc.

very difficult for her and for us. I miss her desperately, miss her smile, miss her listening, miss her talking and laughing and miss spending Thursdays with her. Now I smile when I walk by one of the many photos of her and Dad I have displayed, or I thank her when I see a dish she gave to me, or remember something she might have said to me or warm myself when I wrap up in an afghan she made. I cherish the stones Dad gave me especially the heart shaped ones and love looking at the many greeting cards he sent Mom over the years which so reflects the love he had for her. Mom and Dad live in my heart and always will. Thursdays I spend in various ways now, sometimes with friends and sometimes home with my memories.