In the Midst of Life . . .

   A phone call yesterday morning brought the news of the passing, after a battle with cancer, of a much-loved member of our 'new-comer' community here in Madison County. Libby was one of the first people I met when we moved here. A talented fiber artist herself,  she was the backbone of our somewhat informal quilting group. And so much more . . . her warm heart and generosity of spirit touched all she met. I don't think I ever heard her speak an unkind word of another person.

All morning there were calls and emails from friends -- had I heard? What did I know? And over and we told each other the same things . . . she died at home with her family, just what she wanted . . . it was mercifully quick . . . we never know . . . we should get together  . . . hug everyone . . . I love you . . .

Live long enough and this sort of thing is going to happen -- saying goodbye to friends, younger and older.  

We're none of us getting out of this life alive --- so we'd best make the most of every moment.