Sad news

My cousin Sharon called today to tell me that her husband of almost 60 years, Rob, died yesterday after a bout of pneumonia.  He was 84.  She sounded devastated.

That's not surprising, since I have never known a couple more devoted to and reliant on each other.  From beginning to end, this was a love match, and Rob adored her and supported her in everything she did.  For example, Sharon is an amazing cook and hostess, even had a small catering business for a while, and he was her willing assistant, chopping hundreds of pounds of mushrooms, celery, onions and potatoes and whatever else she needed.

Fortunately, their kids were able to come right away, from Ohio and Arizona and a couple of towns over, so she is not alone.  I wish I could do something to help her.  It's hard to imagine what she will do now.  She has MS and that makes it difficult for her to get around, has made her blind in one eye, and wreaks havoc on her digestive system.  I don't think she can live alone now, but none of her options seem very promising.  She could stay in Los Gatos and move into an assisted living facility, since she has many friends there.  Or she could move to Cleveland and live near her youngest daughter and grandson, but that would be difficult after so many years in California.  She is someone who makes friends very easily - one of those people that everyone likes - so she won't be lonely, but losing Rob may overwhelm her.
And Monday is her birthday, the first without him.

Here is a squirrel having a nibble on Lex's back patio.