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A Final Story (Written Sept 8, 1998)

Our Trip to Branson

On June 2, 1997, I thought the final story of my book had been written. However, much has happened in my family since then. Change will always be.

On February 10, 1998, my sister Esther in St. Louis died. She had a stroke some years earlier, after which she had much therapy. We lost her when she was 83. Just 6 months later, on August 5, 1998, my oldest sister Ruth slipped away from us suddenly. She was 87 and had many heart problems. After having two heart surgeries, numerous angioplasties, several pacemakers, carotid artery surgery and a stent, she was still able to lead a full life.

We had been to Branson, Missouri for a week with Jack and Marge (her daughter) where we had a good time. However, upon our return to Milwaukee with them, she became ill with angina and was admitted to St. Luke's Hospital where she had another angioplasty and two more stents. Her heart was just too worn out to accept these treatments, and she left us after being in the hospital only 5 days. So we lost 2 sisters in 6 months.

Now only 3 of us remain, -the 3 younger ones. Needless to say, we 3 feel terribly lost and alone after the 7 of us had spent so much time together. Norma and I are also widows, which makes us feel really alone. And so, life must go on.