4th of july weekend, 2011

Hard to believe that the 4th of July weekend is drawing to a close.  where does the time go?  It was a quietish weekend of puttering around. always things to do here. plenty of yard work, movies to watch, the never ending wash.  hot too, so staying inside and taking it easy was a no brainer.  As i am fond of saying 'all my stuff is here', so being here is not a chore! 

And so I was surprised Sunday late afternoon when i noted the yellow  tape at the driveway across the street.  i went out the front door as it is the only way to get a clear view with all the summer greenery between here and there. caution tape and a second piece further up the driveway plus 2 police cars.  Hubby was good enough to walk over and ask if the elderly neighbors were ok. the police man said "no"....  "active crime scene". they could not say more.  i knew she was gone and so was he.

Mrs C. was in failing health. she was in good spirits but had been on oxygen for quite some time.  Visiting nurse had been coming the last few weeks to keep her comfy and take care of her needs.  I spoke to one daughter just 2 days before and we chatted about how they were doing.  Daughter did not give her mom long to live but was content in the care and spirits of both parents.  so here it was. just 2
days later, and they were both gone. 

i have not talked to the kids but their cousin called.  it would appear that she passed while he was making dinner. In a panic, her hubby called 911.  he must have understood in his grief that she was gone, and took it upon himself to follow her in death as he did in life.

of course we heard the gun shot, but he was always shooting things so we never thought twice.
we saw the rescue squad and  the police pass.. but never noted they took the driveway across the highway.

Mrs C always talked about what she would do if hubby passed on before her.  Hubby never said.. did anyone ever asked him?  did anyone think about his needs if his life long companion should be no more?  It was understood he would probably go on like before. But age and injury sure make you think twice about what you can and cannot do without a companion.

i understand he had an accident on the garden tractor. and was in pain from that.  I did notice  him not wheeling out of the driveway as frequently as once before.  in hindsight, it should be no surprise. they were companions and dedicated to each other. there was no other way than to be together in death just as in life.

Rest in Peace dear neighbors.