The Final Chapter

On the morning of January 27 Midge passed away peacefully after a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease that dates back at least twelve years.  She had been in a senior care facility for the last four years, unable to walk or talk coherently for the last two years … but she never lost her sweet smile.

In April of 2021, when I gave Midge a loud kiss at the end of my visit, she said in a clear voice, “That was a good one!” It was the first time she had said anything understandable in months. And it was the last time.

On January 22 Midge stopped eating. It felt very much as if she was declaring that she had had enough. When I visited her on January 27, my usual morning visit, she was sleeping. An hour after I left I got the call that she had passed away. I wish I had been with her.

We had a wonderful life together.

A reception to celebrate Midge’s life is planned for Saturday, April 8th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Historical Society, 800 N. Main in Glen Ellyn. Everyone is welcome. April 8 would have been our 57th wedding anniversary.