For Scarlett

Scarlett,

I was saddened to learn upon my return from my Florida holiday that your dear mother had passed away.

I did not know the woman save through your words. Sometimes those words were humourous; sometimes the frustration of caring for her in her declining years was transparent. Regardless, whether in your series reminiscences, or in your contemporary recounting of your adventures caring for her, your love for her came shining through in every word.

Just the other day, I finished reading Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook. One of the two principal characters suffers from Alzheimer's, and my thoughts at this moment are directed on your mother.

My prayers are that your mother is now enjoying the peace and happiness that escaped her, as it does most mortals, in this plane of existence, and that your thoughts of her will always be of the good times. May thinking of her always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.