Mar 8/9 - sad news

David got a message from Sherri, Arlene Appleton (Ouimette)'s daughter that it was time for him to come into the hospital in Barrie and say goodbye.  Multiple texts and emails later, we've reached out to many people who know Arlene, my former secretary in Toronto.  Arlene, The Secretary, as we used to refer to her (vs Arlene, The Sister), is an amazing person.  She came to me from being an assistant to a bank president.  She grew tired of that environment, where she was not only a business assistant but also bought birthday gifts for the spouse etc. etc.  She left the company when I moved to Philadelphia.

As David said to me, the cause doesn't matter at this point.  Very true, but we automatically want to know "why ? and what ?".  In this case it seems to be an infection that is antibiotic resistant and over the next few days, her organs will be shutting down.  David was able to get in and visit.  David and Sherri conveyed our love and let her know the long list of people who were thinking about her.

Arlene worked with David when he had the dry cleaning business in Barrie.  As usual, she was her efficient and trustworthy self.  They grew to be friends.  Sandy and I haven't seen Arlene since the reunion that we had at Patty Daly's 11 years ago.  I didn't realize it was that long until both Patty and Angelika reminded me.  Patty knew that it coincided with her husband Mark's birthday; Angelika did what I should have done, searched my blog ....

Of the people who worked with and for me on my team, I don't know of any others who have passed on.  Patty has suggested that she might host another get-together and perhaps that's a good idea but right now I can't think of anything but Arlene and Sherri, in Barrie.  David said that Arlene was joking and teasing when he visited.  Arlene will go out on her own terms. 

I had to look through my office pool party pictures and find the following. Such a head of red hair.  Sherri is two years younger than Jeffrey.  I sent this along to her and she appreciated the lighthearted moment but each moment that goes by will be tougher, at this point.