World Enough and Time

I got confirmation today that walkingowl died mid-May.

I didn't know that, but I wasn't surprised to hear it.   I've been worrying about her.  For two decades now we've been in touch - three or four times per week; sometimes daily - by phone, e-mail, or on LJ.  Then suddenly she became silent. I couldn't reach her.  A few months ago, she'd had a heart attack, and knew it might happen again.

I hope there's someone taking care of her beloved cats.

She was autistic and didn't have a lot of friends.  She was one of the most intelligent and articulate people I knew.  She had an amazing memory. She was an exceptionally good writer; now the books she planned will never be written.  Just before she died, she was thinking about getting a master's degree, and I was encouraging her to do that. 

She taught me so much, with her insight into autism.   She was loving and loyal and generous and troubled.  She almost came to visit me in April, then decided to postpone the trip.

She loved me dearly, and I'll miss her dreadfully.  She was a major presence in my life.

Odd timing: a year ago today I scattered my father's ashes.  A year ago today, Harry died - he was Gayle's friend also.  This evening, my friends are at the unveiling of Harry's gravestone. I'd be with them if I could be.

I just got a call from Sheila that Harry died about 10 pm.

I'm glad I saw him today.