Sad Farewell

Our neighbors. Kay and Frank, had an old stretch of sidewalk in front of their house where pansies popped up in the cracks each spring. It was so  delightful.

Last night we attended the visitation for Kay, who passed away this week.  I always think of her like those pansies,  so sweet and gentle, yet darn tough, being a hardworking farmwife all her life.

Frank  showed us a little black and white photo of Kay as a young woman - the day she first caught his eye, and told us he had carried that photo in his pocket every single day since she gave it to him. I bet it is back in his wallet right now.

I took this photo of Kay and Frank the same day I  photographed their sidewalk pansies. They were embarrassed for being in their work clothes - they had been planting their garden all day. I like how it captures what honest, industrious, kind folks they are.  My heart goes out to the entire family, but especially to Frank. Losing the love of your life, your partner for over 50 years, must be like losing a part of yourself.

Last summer, Frank and Kay built a lovely 3-season porch over the sidewalk so they could relax in there and enjoy the beautiful farm vista. The sidewalk is gone, but I won't be surprised if those pansies still pop up around the edges of the porch this spring. Some sweet good things are irrepressible.