A Passing

Last week we received word that our good friend in Paris, Rene Bruyeron, had died suddenly of a heart attack. A week earlier, Jiri's father had passed away after battling with pancreatic cancer for many months. I don't know which is worse,..a slow lingering death so that when it finally comes, it is in some measure a relief,...or the sudden unexpected death that leaves you in shock and unable to comprehend that they are gone. Certainly neither is "better". Rene was a good friend and we had just contacted him and made plans to go to Paris in September for a visit. We had been so busy since arriving that we had not had "the time". Funny how time is so relative. Rene taught us about collecting watches, fountain pens and paintings. He taught us, as only a Frenchman could about drinking good wine. We shall miss him a great deal. I have not noticed or cared so much about getting old. The skin may sag a bit more but the hair color is renewable with a bottle. What is bothersome is the loss of friends and family. We hold you all so dear,..please take care.