I keep meaning to switch my user name again... Ten years ago, I think I was already on GW--I suspect I came on slightly after Andie, because I think it was just about the time the GP started. I had an Internet connection of sorts in the early '90s--something called "Prodigy" that was pretty basic and didn't have much of a graphic interface. I switched to a Mac in '94 and started using the precursor to Netscape. I ventured onto GW when I had a question about black tomatoes. I chose my user name accordingly. Bigfoot was one of the first to answer my question, along with a Robin from Calif. Suzanne, Diana was the dark-haired daughter of a Nobel physicist. I saw her name in the paper not too long ago in a listing of area how-to classes (hers was mosaics). I'm in that group photo of Linda C's too, looking, unfortunately, rather better and younger than I do now. And, Linda C, I fear the martini drinker may have been me. Are olives not a legitimate food group? Ms. Ann Thrope

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Auntjen. The way she died sounds so sad. The ray of light in all this sadness is how you have celebrated her life by sharing some of her charm, sweetness and good nature with us. We can feel her presence even in her absence, because of you. We can in a small way, all celebrate her life by reflecting on your story of her. Your post honors and thanks her for touching you so deeply through her communications and loving spirit. Shortly after a friend of mine died many years ago, I felt a compelling urge to get back into doing volunteer work. My friend had been an amazing social worker, and I was overcome with a desire to emulate her in some way, to extend some of the goodness she had offered to others. I know I haven't come close to giving what she gave to others, but the impulse to give back, indeed a compulsion to, was born from her death. Maybe sometimes fighting for a cause or embodying the values and concerns of a person who has died can help us to cope with their loss.

Adrienne, It's timely you should post this, because just this morning I was thinking, "Well, here comes the 'Anniversary Season' again." I lost my mother in May ... 19 years ago. A very close friend in July ... 13 years ago. My father in July ... 36 years ago. So, even though it's been so very many years, these dates still and always will mean a great deal. I think of these loved ones all day long on these anniversaries .... and while I think of the loss and all that they have missed, I always end up spending more time thinking about how blessed I am to have had them in my life at all, even if just for a little while. The days are bittersweet, but much more sweet than bitter. Some years I mention to others what day it is for me, other years I don't. But I carry my loved ones very close to me on those days. Best to you as you work your way through your journey. Mary

Hi tash72, I am so deeply sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your wonderful memories here with the rest of us. There is nothing that will ease the initial pain. For me, I feel a little better knowing that every day here brings me a little closer to the day I will be with my beloved Momma again. Your words above brought to mind a short poem I came across, well before my Momma passed away, and for some strange reason, I kept it. We lost my brother to murder a little over two years before my Momma passed so it just seemed to fit my particular situation. I felt better knowing that one day my family WILL be united again :) My family chain is broken, things will never be the same. But as God call us one by one, my chain will link again. The last year has been quite a struggle for me so I can relate alot to how you are feeling and I pray you find some measure of peace to live your live with happiness as you know your Father would have wanted for you. (((Hugs to you & your family))) Lisa