I bade a sorrowful farewell to a good and staunch Republican yesterday...

[Skidmore]

and it wasn't because of political differences, although we did have them. An old and dear friend and colleague for many years contacted me after being out of touch for awhile. She let me know that her cancer was back with a vengance and that every treatment option had been exhausted, the bone marrow transplant had failed, and the oncologist had told her that any further treatment attempts would definitely kill her. She has elected to live out her remaining time on her own terms. A good and decent woman who fought valiantly against breast cancer. One of the most caring and giving women I have known. She is well known for her charitable works and not the writing a check kind. This diminutive little woman not afraid to get her hands dirty and to really care for the sick and the destitute. I went to see her. Her frail appearance made her strength and loving soul glow so much brighter. She is saying her good-byes. One by one, we came. I will see her no more; she only has a few weeks at most left. She will be soon sheltered in the embrace of her family and by her choice.

I'll miss her sound advice, her raucous humor, and her strong opinions. I'll miss the wicked little twinkle in her eyes and her kind heart. I will miss my friend.

[flashl]

1. best wishes to you and your friend. n/t

[Cabcere]

2. I am very sorry to hear that, Skidmore.

:hug: She sounds like a wonderful person, and I wish peace for her and her family, as well as friends like you and the others whose lives she no doubt touched. :grouphug: Peace.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

3. A beautiful tribute

Sorry for the pain, but glad that she was a force in your life.

[saracat]

4. Best wishes to you both.We have too few of those kind of Republicans left so this is an even bigger

loss.She seems to have been a rare one.It use to be there were many.Godspeed.

[gateley]

5. She sounds like the type of person I aspire to be. I hope she looks back with an

understanding of the good she has done and the happiness she has brought others.

And I know she appreciates your friendship.

I'm sorry for your loss. :hug:

[havocmom]

6. "... good and staunch Republican" Gads, so sad to lose one of the loyal opposition

So many now have no living memory of a time when the folks across the aisle could be counted on to disagree with method, but still stand along side you to really defend America.

Write of the grand lady when you can, Skidmore. It may help keep her spark alive in you and shed some light for the many who never knew that some Republicans could be good and decent allies in life.

Strength to her friends and family. Peace and sweet rest to your dear friend. May her spirit spread beyond the current physical bounds.

[Gman]

7. She may be a Republican

but she has the heart and soul of a Democrat.

[mac56]

8. Bless her heart,

and bless yours for telling us about her.

[Uben]

9. A Marine, Ted Williams, and honor

A friend, who was a marine, and spent two tours in Viet Nam, passed away after his cancer returned with a vengence just two weeks ago. He had quite an interesting story. He was working on the military base in Puerto Rico when he was 17. He served Ted Williams, who was a pilot, on a daily basis. He had told Mr. Williams on many occasions it was his dream to become a marine.
In 1953, Ted Williams flew this kid to Washington, D.C. in his military jet, a two seater, and helped him enlist in the marines, where he did two tours in Viet Nam, and retied in 1972 with numerous honors and medals. He was 72, and quite a gentleman. He reminded one of a European gentleman, and he always had a positive outlook.

So, I share your sorrow this Thanksgiving holiday. We have lost a couple of good ones. MAy God Bless their souls!

[Raine]

10. After 2000 I never wanted to have anything

to do with Republicans again. I decided they were such flawed people that if they were in my life they would poison it but this year has changed everything for me. My neighbor a Bush loving Republican came to my rescue and literally saved me from financial ruin. We had had ugly words over politics and other things but the guy had such a big heart he put all that aside to help me. All the ugliness between us is in the past and I've learned a big lesson about judging people. I will never ever dismiss someone from my life over politics. If you do you are making your life poorer and may lose a very special person from enriching your life like your friend. :hug:

[Snotcicles]

11. That's so sad Skid. nt

[monmouth]

12. What lovely words. Hearts to you Skidmore....