It was 37 years ago, last month, that I gained a new Mom. On October 15, I lost her, a woman who loved me longer than my own mother could have (I lost my actual Mom in 1986).

The last few months of Betty's life were difficult ones... she had been ready to go for quite some time. Steve and I were there with her for her final afternoon- one of happy remembrances, some chuckling, a whole lot of hand-holding and numerous "I love yous!" Her passing, later that evening, was as she had hoped- peaceful. 

"In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill."