Kirk,
Thank you so much for letting me know. I’m so glad Gale didn’t suffer too long. Hospice workers are truly angels.
I imagine her dementia was much harder on you than on her.
The picture is perfect, and the cigarette made me smile. Every photo of my mom until 1976, when she quit, had her holding a cigarette just like your mom!! It’s so funny that everyone smoked then.
I cannot adequately tell you how much I loved Gale. I knew how important your folks were to Bill, so I was more nervous meeting “The VanDrutes” than Bill’s own parents.
And, they both enveloped me into their lives immediately and lovingly.
Your mom was so talented and so smart, and she loved sharing her art.
I still have a Teddy Bear she made for me, to match my favorite quilt. And, she made all of Daley’s crib decor. I still am sad I gave it to a friend’s daughter, but it meant another lucky baby got to use and love it.
I could go on and on, but I hope you already know how much I loved her.
You and your Dad, too.
Teresa.