WE KNOW NOT THE HOUR - At my age, the sudden and untimely death of someone I have known all of my life is proving to be a gut wrenching blow. Such losses peel away the layers of my world leaving me feeling isolated and exposed. I post this to share reflection on the dark reality of having been given the gift of years and give tribute to a wonderful woman. Last night I learned of the sudden death of someone I have known all my life. Her father and mine went to City College School of Engineering together. Our families traveled together. Before she died at the age of 93 in 2018, her mother called me frequently blessing me with all kinds of care and motherly advice. The deceased was one of my bridesmaids in 1967. She was all heart.

A beautifully written obituary is testimony to her life as a daughter, sister, wife and mother as well has her dedication to the teaching profession and the many awards she received for her skills and achievements. A sister-in- law said she was the glue keeping the family lovingly in touch.

After a few days of celebration for their 52nd anniversary her husband gifted her with a plane ticket to visit their daughter on the west coast. While there her son-in-law had a gall bladder attack and was rushed to the emergency room. As she supported her daughter and kept grandchildren busy in the hospital waiting room she experienced a fatal brain bleed and although every medical intervention was applied she did not survive. She was 75 years old. This event has shaken me.

I also post this to remind my friends in their 70s and 80s that we do not know the hour of our departure. I am asking myself, “What am I doing with the time left to me?” Unlike the balance in my checkbook, the amount of this commodity cannot be gauged. I need to learn a lesson from Elvira’s story. May she rest in peace and her memory be a blessing.