It's so hard to say a permanent goodbye. We hope for better places for our loved ones when they die. We reminisce the old days and wonder how to survive this ever-changing future without them. We hug the survivors and share their tears.
We held a send off potluck for Jim Boedecker last Saturday. His longtime partner, Sherri Forch has been a Ruston mainstay for many decades. Jim went fairly suddenly and shook not only Sherri but many of us into the realization that life is fleeting and precious. Jim was a retired police officer who loved sailing. He worked his garden into a thing of beauty that will live on in his memory. As Sherri has said, we wish him Godspeed.
This morning my longtime Ruston friend Connie Maglione lost her battle with cancer. You may recall that she and I were sued by William Walker a few years ago, just after Connie was diagnosed with cancer. Connie was one of the strongest women I've ever known, as evidenced with how long she fought this disease that, in the end, took her.
Connie and I were not always on the same page politically, which in Ruston can be dangerous. Somehow with Connie, the differences melted away when she cracked a joke or reminded me of our common love for this town. She was jovial, loud and sometimes brash. She had a quick tongue that let you know exactly where you stood with her, be it good, bad or ugly. Even in the midst of her pain and struggle this last year, she always laughed in every conversation and talked of fighting for renewed health.
Connie carries memories and experiences in and about this town that we'll never be able to capture now. She moved to town before the smelter dust had settled. She served on the Civil Service Commission most recently, and on the town council in the past. She loved her family, neighbors and town unfailingly.
The landscape is always changing around here, both physically and in our people. I'd much rather say goodbye (as I have often had to do) when a neighbor moves across town; not this forever goodbye. But it's not a choice I get to make. So to Connie and Jim, farewell. Be at peace, free from pain and suffering. We will miss you and carry your gift of love into the future of this ever-changing town in your name.
Karen
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3 comments:
Thank you Connie for stopping the cutting down of all the trees on the Winnifred street medium. When we drive down Winnifred street between 51st and 54th and see all the beautiful trees on the medium we know that it is because of you that these trees are still standing, beautiful and loving, like you. Miss ya!
Connie touched my life in ways I would not of expected. Yes, she was strong and all of that; it was her soft heart that touched me more.
Rest in peace my friend.
Many miles and just living life seems to keep me from checking in with the blog as often as I use to.
I am truly saddened to learn of Connies passing, she was certainly part of Ruston's SUNSHINE even on the rainy days. I enjoyed serving on the council with her and her calls of varying conserns where always welcome, tho not always comfortable!
Connie was a'Player', she always suited up, worked out, let you know which team she was on and played with a passion.....sometimes even giving a bit of hint what the next play would be (brace yourself and go ahead and write down the score !)
Just another thing I miss about Ruston, "one of the greatest spots on Gods blue and green earth"
Be well, Porkchop (Del Brewer)
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