Friday, February 11, 2011 — Dear Skip —

Dear Skip, As this day approached, I planned to omit mentioning its significance. But after a few good cries in the early morning, I began mentally composing a letter to you. I am so grateful to Patty for passing on your positive and encouraging messages. They help immeasurably. At breakfast I wasn't sure I could hold myself together but a lecture on cartooning by JP and Yael has managed to divert my attention. At the end of the talk, four people from Vallarta came to visit and ask for advice on conserving a woven rug they own. They called just before they arrived (this is the cell phone age) and it turned out to be two women I had met the night of the opening at the Peter Gray museum along with their husbands. Very nice to see them again. I can use every positive event I can get today.

As I lay in bed early this morning, the tears began and I just let them flow. My thinking was that you would say, "Just get on with it, you're doing fine" as all your messages infer. Knowing what an unceremonious person you were in life, you would say "Enough already." But I couldn't stop thinking about you and how communicative our relationship was even when it was hard for you. At one point the tears subsided and I could only hear the roosters of El Tuito and it made me think of their constant talking to each other. They are different than the roosters in other places even in Mexico. They are missing the "doo" at the end of cocka doodle doo. So you could tell an El Tuito rooster anywhere. When we were down the coast at Villa Polonesia yesterday I mostly swam and listened to the birds. I think the birds of Mexico are more communicative and joyful than any other place I know. Just like the people of Mexico. I'm sure you know by now why I love to come down here and will continue to do so even though you are gone.

You undoubtedly know how lucky I am to have such loving and supportive people around me. Between our family and friends I receive a huge amount of comfort and encouragement. I promise you I will continue to work hard at reaching an equilibrium in all ways including a shedding of the extra weight. I thank you for leaving me with so many advantages including two steadfast canine friends, beautiful family and joyful memories. I will try to live the rest of my life to the fullest, with joy and love in my heart.