Something I have to say...

We have known each other for about 50 years. We met first time in 7th grade. Our schools were separated by 25 miles. But in those days of the early 60's there were teams. Primarily football, but also baseball and track. We got out of classes for ball games on occasion. Buses would run and take those who could go and get back home after school. She was part of the in crowd. An old term. A cheerleader, one of those sought after by all the guys and reached by not enough. Including me. Not snobbish or the like, but obviously the upper crust.

In high school we were a combined bunch. She stayed a cheerleader. Married less than a year after graduation. And stayed married for over 42 years. She was instrumental in all our class reunions. Her, her mother, and then her daughters and granddaughters also helped out. Three generations working on our last reunion of 40 years, two years ago. We remained close through all the intervening years. Exchanged letters. Each time I traveled back home, we met. She wrote me after my extreme head injury in 2007 and was very concerned about my health. We spent time together last summer after I became retired.

She died suddenly late last week of an aneurysm and I was notified last night. I am devastated. Heartbroken. She and I are the same age. I cried when I was told. After I went to bed I cried. Sobbed without relief. Even now, this is hard to write. However I needed to say something about her.

I will miss her terribly. My one consoling thought is that in Jesus I will see her again.