Hi Carole, Susie, Diane, and Kristi,

Paul and I were quite saddened to hear about Nick's passing on Monday. Please know that we have all of you in our prayers and will offer our Sunday masses for the next month in Nick's honor. I haven't seen you all in years but family is family. Girls, your Mom was my first babysitter way back when in New York. I now have 4 kids and 6 grandkids of my own. You may remember my Mom, Aunt Arlene to you. She and Uncle Mert visited back east several times. Mert was your Grandma Mimi's brother. Paul and I have raised our family in the Northwest outside Portland, Oregon.

My Mom had stroke-induced dementia for 6-1/2 years. It's symptoms were quite similar to Alzheimers because the same part of her brain was affected. With all the capabilities she lost, she never lost her sense of humor, her love of her family and her love of God. She was sure He had a special task for her, which I'm sure Nick did too. Mom's only wish was that she had performed this task to His satisfaction. Dad died 9 years ago now and Mom's been gone since 2011. I am quite sure that my Dad is trying to set up a golf date real soon with Nick. They can get back to the bantering they used to share on the intricate nuances of and finesse swings of golf.

We'll keep you all in our prayers. Tell Nick that Paul and Lynn said Hello please. Carole, I'll call you in a couple weeks to see how you're doing.

Hugs to everyone,

Lynn Simon