It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

Mildred & Albert Adams

As you know, I have and love, love, love my elderly friends. Mrs. Adams was one of those friends. My unspoken fear since COVID was that because of their age and not being able to be in their company due to health concerns, that the last time I saw them might have been just that, the last time...

Today I will go to DC to bid my final physical farewell to my dear, dear Friend and Mom-like cheerleader who was always in my corner. Thank God for a sunny day and hopefully a pleasant and introspective drive.

Mrs. Adams died on April 12. She would have been 90 in July. And yes, she really did look as good as she does in this photo which is only about 2 years ago. I think it was Mr. Adams' 100th Birthday party. Black really doesn't crack! I will miss her and our talks more than I am likely ready to acknowledge. I am so thankful for our times.

The last time I saw her, she was thrilled that I brought her and Mr. Adams fish dinners from their favorite greasy spoon. Many a Christmas, I would send her a Black Santa to adorn her beautifully decorated house. I remember one day she and I spending an afternoon together and having girl fun and her trying on wigs just for the heck of it. And oh the conversations, I thought they would go on forever. I am going to miss my Friend.

While in DC, I will do a drive by to check on another of my dear elderly friends, Mr. Lee. I have known him much longer than Mrs. Adams. He and I were neighbors back in the 90's. I cannot believe that I am referring to my dapper friend as elderly. He was a mover and shaker!!! His and Mrs. Adams' birthdays are one day apart. He will be 89 in July. It has been my intention to do drive-bys to check on them both just to see them and to say hello. Today I will not put off for tomorrow that which can be done today. I will say farewell to one and hello to the other.

Ironically, Mr. Adams, also in the photo with Mrs. Adams and who is now 102, is brother to Frank Adams, dad to childhood friends who lived on the same street as my family. We grew up together. I met Mildred and Albert Adams many years later when I lived in DC. What a treat to find out about a connection we already had but did not know. She loved telling the story of how we discovered the connection. With a name as common as Adams, who would have ever guessed? It was revealed one day when she mentioned being in Deptford, NJ. ONLY South Jersey folks would know about Deptford. Much to both of our surprise, her relatives lived just down the street. We were destined to meet and to love!!! Seven degrees of separation. This is such a small world. 

The Adams are very special people. Mr. Adams is 12 years older than Mrs. I am sure he did not expect to live longer than her. His Mother however, lived to a ripe age of 103. He seems on the same path...

Check on your peeps folks. Give them their flowers. I sent flowers for Mrs. Adams' funeral. I will take Mr. Lee some Bourbon and Coke! That will make his day!!!