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.