The World's a Bit Dimmer Today...

Yesterday my mother's friend, Evelyn Bowen (aka New Jersey Evelyn) died at a retirement center in North Carolina. She was an amazing woman. She and her husband decided to retire to North Carolina when the house they lived in became too much for them -- they relocated near their son. But her husband died just before they were to make the move. Evelyn had to make that huge transition by herself in the midst of her grief.

Evelyn (who loved New Jersey and missed it terribly) was one of those indomitable spirits that I have always admired. One always knew where one stood with Evelyn -- she was straight up in her opinions and was not shy. She had a keen sense of humor and always made life an adventure, even at Grace Ridge. She will be sorely missed by most people there, even though she was not universally accepted -- She brought her 'New Jersey' boldness and pizazz to this very Southern place.

One of my favorite 'Evelyn' stories came from a time when my mother and a few others were in the lobby talking. A male resident came down sputtering mad, headed straight for the director's office. Seems as if he had been spending a beautiful late spring morning out on his balcony when waves of water came down upon him from above. After he entered the director's office, Evelyn came down and said, 'I feel so good -- I finally cleaned my balcony this morning!' They knew that she lived one floor above this man. Although she felt bad about his plight, they all got a good laugh. I don't think the gentleman ever forgave her, but I'll bet even he will miss her sharp wit and saucy presence.

I know that my mother will miss her terribly -- they shared dinner almost every night. And their mutual friend, Alice, who had been best friends with Evelyn for several years, will also be lost for a time. Evelyn had been experiencing breathing difficulty over the past couple of months and was diagnosed with lung cancer only two weeks ago. I will miss her on my visits -- for I had come to love her as one of my Grace Ridge mothers.

I'm sure that right now Evelyn is arranging a party -- or atleast some mischief -- behind those pearly gates.