Joanne's father

Jeanne called me yesterday to tell me that Joanne's father died. He went into the hospital early Monday morning, was put into ICU and died around 9:30 a.m. Evidently he didn't like taking his diuretic medication, his body filled up with fluids, and his lungs shut down. I believe he was 84.

I only met Mr. Carlson once. He was already an elderly man and beyond a few perfunctory sentences of greeting, we didn't converse. I spent most of my time that evening talking with Mrs. Carlson.

When I think of Joanne, my heart aches for her; I can imagine the shock to her world, the trauma of his sudden death and the deep sadness she may be feeling. Death may be tough for the dead, but I think it's tougher on the living.