I struggled with writing the usual “Happy Thanksgiving!” greeting. 

It is now clear that there will be a big vacuum in my life without Elly.  

   I reflected on everything that happened in my life in the past two years. As I reread your journal remarks and remembered those of you who dropped by with dinners including Thanksgiving dinner.  I thought about your caring words and constant prayers and Elly’s celebration of Life. I was  amazed at the number of friends and family that traveled 

great distances to be with me during the most difficult day of my life.  Then came the cards. I kept everyone of them and will be rereading them all in the coming months. 

   But coming home to an empty house ... “Elly’s Place” became more and more difficult ..,

My step daughter Tammy knowing that I was missing Elly invited me to come to her home in Palm Springs for a much needed clothes shopping trip. My bond with Elly’s daughters Shelly and Tammy has never been tighter as we grieve together. After I returned from Califirnia I jumped on a ferry to Vancouver Island to have some “catch up time “ with my daughter. Barbara. Lot’s of hugs and crying together.  

Then Frank Jr. Called;

  “Tracy and I would love to have you visit us in Australia, have Christmas with us and perhaps you and I could spend some time together in New Zealand.  I know how much you have always wanted to visit that country. 

Please come and stay with us as long as you want...!”

I am writing this journal entry in a coffee shop in Wollongong. 

There was a frown on my face as I ordered my latte, a frown turned to a smile

as I reflected on the 17 years that I was blessed to spend with “My Duchess” and

my many loving friends and faithful family. 

  I am in indeed the luckiest man on the planet. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!