During the last month of Al's life, we worked together on a 'Gratitude list'.  The list is far too long to share in its entirety, but here's a summary:

• our family and friends, with us to share the smiles and be there for us in tough times
• our pets that brought joy into our lives and the wildlife that visited our backyard, especially our resident cardinals
• our home, a place to relax, renew, raise our family and enjoy the beauty outside our windows
• gardening, especially tomatoes and roses, and the trees that we planted and watch mature
• learning from good books to enlarge our world and make us think
• travel, which enlarged our horizons and experience God's beauty
• good eats. . . Al's famous chili, burgers, pizza and chocolate shakes and that we never went hungry
• our faith, parish family, and choir which enhanced liturgy
• the Packers
• the excellent medical care Al received, especially from the dedicated staff at the Froedhert Cancer Center and Seasons Hospice
• making a contribution at Rockwell
• fireworks, blizzards and thunderstorms
• living in freedom in the best country in the world

I am especially grateful for the 35+ years that Al and I shared our paths together.  The list of shared memories is too long to recount here, but during the past month, we reflected on the wonderful gift that we were given to share these final days together.  We prayed to be at peace, and we were granted this.  We prayed that we would be together in Al's final moments, and this too we were granted.  It was a very, very special gift to be holding Al in my arms, feeling his life ebb away, with Matthew and Julie by our sides.  I reminded Al that he was crossing the threshold into a new and better place.  Whether he watches over me from that place no one knows, but he will remain dear in my heart for the rest of my life.