Sallie was my daughter-in-law, Barb's, mother, so we've known each other for over 17 years. Mostly, we would just see each other at graduations, weddings, 4th of July celebrations, and of course, at our mutual granddaughter, Gianna's, birthday. But this past year, I came to know Sallie more personally, after I offered to drive her to the city to see a doctor. The trips turned out to be more frequent than we first thought, but as I drove, along with Sallie's angelic friend, Elsie, we came to know each other much better. Sallie told me about her somewhat sheltered life as a little girl in the Philippines, her years as a teenager and in nursing school, her coming to live in the United States,, and how she met Bernardo, the love of her life. She talked about family trips, and the good times that were had. I was both fascinated and grateful for the opportunity to know and understand her better. The first time I drove the three of us downtown was the first time I drove downtown! I was terrified. But after a time or two, Sallie would shout out her encouragement... "You're the expert now!!" We got lost sometimes, coming home and in also in the giant parking high rises... but she and Elsie and I had fun. One day, on our way home, we knew we were lost again when we wound up at Navy Pier, but it was fascinating to Sallie. Her favorite saying was, "How did they build that?!!" We were planning to take a field trip to Navy Pier this spring, but her life turned in another direction. I think it was a disappointment to her when the doctor appointments came to an end. By then, I didn't get lost... and it was the end of the downtown excitement for Sallie. It might sound strange, but I don't feel sorrow that she has moved on to the spirit world. She has gone back to her beloved Bernardo, who she missed every day for two years. Goodbye, dear Sallie... say "Hi" to Bernie for us.

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