A year ago Kate’s partner Michael fell at home and couldn’t get up. At the hospital they diagnosed kidney failure, and he started dialysis three times a week. Looking back, I can see that was the beginning of his marked decline. Like everyone, he had good days and bad days. I didn’t see him, but Kate talked about him. After seeing a number of doctors, he was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that was attacking his organs. Not good! A few weeks ago he went back to the hospital, and x-rays showed he had a broken hip. Days later he was in the rehab facility where he had the same roommate he’d had a year ago! Increased breathing difficulties sent him back to the hospital where they found he had pneumonia and COVID. That was too much to overcome, and he died on pi day, 3/14.

It was marvelous that several of Michael’s relatives went with Kate to the funeral home to make the arrangements. Viewing hours were from 4:00 to 8:00 with a short service in the middle. She called me the day after that and sent me a photo of Michael in the casket. I looked at it, and a sudden feeling of peace came over me. I said to his picture, “You have REALLY gone home!” It was accompanied by music in my head – Going Home by Dvorak.