1936

Shortly before his passing on March 27, we heard from Ed Drechsel that he is "totally handicapped from the neck down, needing round-the-clock care in a total care center." His wife, Ilona, lives in an apartment in a retirement community nearby and was able to visit him often. Last fall she wrote the following very moving poem to Ed.

Life as is, must go on... I know You have to be there Because I can not take care Of You as needed

So I go on my daily walk And sometimes I even talk To the squirrels and crows

Under the pleasant morning breeze, Over the golden autumn leaves I am thinking of You.

Have You had a restful night Or called for helpers loud outright To give You drinking water?

"I try to think," You'll tell them "But I do not remember them" "My mouth was dry"

I find acorns and pinecones, Horse chestnuts and dandelions They all seem to please You

By then I am closer to You As I rush King Edward through And I find You reading

The rest of the time we spend together I am skunking You in Scrabble But sometimes You win too

When it's time to leave, You go to bed I keep my tears and up my head Life as is, must go on.

20 Blueberry Lane #L109, Falmouth,ME 04105; (207) 781-8934