I just learned this afternoon that hospice has been called in for a friend back in MA. I am crushed.

This is almost never a good thing.

The chemo isn’t doing it’s job.

I visited with Linda during my trips to New England and spent a few days in Italy with her almost 8 years ago.

Linda Lou is a mother, a friend to many, smart, beautiful, smiley and a fighter.

{Sipping wine along the Grand Canal at the base of the Rialto Bridge ~ Nov ’02. Linda is on the end, to Jay’s left}

I’ll never forget our gondola taxi rides. Strolls through the tiny Venetian streets. Renting a car in Florence. Sipping wine and slurping soup in that little trattoria in San Gimignano. Gathering ingredients at the local market for dinner at our Tuscan villa.

Sitting along the canal drinking wine and chatting was magical and I am blessed to have done it in such great company.

Linda, I don’t want you to cross {that} bridge for that means you’ll be farther from us, but I want you to be comfortable and happy ~ just how I know you.

Praying for you and your family.

*****

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.

{Issac Asimov}