Good visit with old (and young) friends

It was great spending time with Gary (Neilsson) and family in Marion, Illinois on Saturday. Arthur was very patient - he does not know all of these folks, since they were my friends from college. Jane's mom, Ella Mae, has faded since I last saw her - she has early stage Alzheimers, according to Judy Kay. Joe Main looks just the same, even though he claims to have passed the big 50. Amanda looks so much like her mother, Jane, and is a delightful young woman. It was fun to meet her long-time boyfriend, Tony. They make a very handsome and accomplished couple. Amanda will be in Clinton, IA next semester doing an internship. Michael looks very different - no more baby face, now a handsome young man. He will be driving in February. Jenny didn't make it home because she is so busy with Law Review at SMU.

It is a joy for me to get together with their family - like being with family, for me. It is bittersweet, however, reminding me how much I miss Jane. She would be so proud of her kids - Gary has done a wonderful job.