My friend died yesterday afternoon around four. Allan and I were there till nine last night.

Judy says, "We don't give up family!" By this she meant that once you enter the large, extended loop of Newberry family and friends, you will always be counted as family no matter what fate tries to break those connections. For those of us that form that "family" the signals were broadcasting loud and clear. I had my cell phone in my hand to call our friend in Newfoundland, when Janet called me. It was Janet who reached Lynda Gayle first.

While others visited with Judy and Jim, I kept vigil with Mary, helping the Hospice nurse and funeral directors. LG performed this service for me when my Mom died.

A great blessing was the coolness of the evening. We've had a break in the heat. The men gathered on the deep front porch with Jim. While others gathered around Judy in the the backyard.

There was much concern about how their son, Will, would handle the news. In the kitchen last night, he cut the chase, "She's out of that damn bed!"

Indeed she is.