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On Friday I got a call from Frances' son telling me that she had passed away the night before.  I was not surprised, of course.  She had already surpassed doctor's expectations and held on longer than expected.  But my heart sank.  And my eyes filled with tears.  She was family to me.  She had been friends with 4 generation of women in my family.  She knew us well!  When her son needed to notify people of her death, it was my family that he called…me, my aunt, a cousin, my great uncle.  She was just as much a part of our family as she was her known…sometimes maybe more so. 

My visits with her over the last 8 years have been priceless to me.  The stories she told about raising her family down the street from the Bush family in Houston.  How she personally never liked George…even as a boy. :)  Stories about being a "Blue Bird" in Houston.  Stories about my great grandparents and how in love they were and how she knew they were the "real deal".  Her memory was flawless – even at the end of her life.  She talked about taking me to the movies with my Momo as a toddler and letting me throw popcorn.  She always asked about the boys…always worried about Derek having to travel too much…always asked about my dad, my brothers, my mom, my aunt Lisa and her kids, Robin and family, my Uncle Barney, Judy, etc, etc. 

But she was ready to go.  She was tired and sick and lonely.  And I knew that my last visit with her (on her b'day in January) was probably my last.  So I stayed a little longer than normal, and kissed her cheek twice, and held her cold hands in mine and said goodbye in my own way. 

Being her friend was one of the easiest things I've ever done.  I always got more than I gave.  I always left happy.  Her love was unconditional.  It wasn't complex – there were no expectations of me.  It just was what it was – a simple visit every few months.  An occasional card and telephone call to say hi and express love. 

I have lost a sweet and dear friend – but I am pretty sure I have gained a very caring new angel.

'Til we meet again…

FRANCES MEYER

January 5, 1917 – February 5, 2009

With my Momo (great-grandmother) in 1977

Holding me, Christmas 1975

Me and Frances, at my grandmother's funeral in 1999

Frances, Me and Caleb, 2003

Jacob, Caleb and Frances, 2004

Caleb, Samuel and Jacob with Frances, summer 2007