Just heard from Dave, K3ZRF widow Pam

[W3GMS]

I just spoke with Pam on the phone and she is heading up from Georgia back to Denver, Pa.  Dave's Mom has just died and she needs to take care of things.  She was 92 years old and has not been good mentally for quite some time. 

Pam sounded as good as could be expected and wanted me to pass along her best wishes to all her friends in the AM Community.  She spent time in Florida over Christmas with family and had a nice time.   

Joe, W3GMS

[WA3VJB]

Thanks Joe for the update.

Was wondering how Pam was doing over Christmas.

Sigh.

I know it troubled Dave that his Mom was near but not really there.

Maybe they're now connected again ?

[WA3VJB]

Yes, that's Dave's grill off their side porch.

Last known photo.

[KA8WTK]

Thanks Joe. I have been wondering how Pam was doing.

[WA3VJB]

Bill, Joe, I just had about an hour's chat with her as she continued the long drive to Penna. for the arrangements.

Pam had visited Dave's mom in the nursing home a few weeks ago for her 92nd birthday.  As usual, there was little recognition or awareness, except for a brief moment that she told me about, and that I asked whether I could share here.

Pam had been in the room for a while, just thoughtful, and quietly, gently said at one point that "your family is waiting for you."  Dave's Mom looked at her just briefly, smiled, and went back into that world we cannot know.

She passed away Christmas night.

Dave's father was a talented artist, a commercial graphics artist. He passed away about 20 years ago. In his spare time over the years he sketched in watercolor.  Here's a 1940s vintage sketch of Dave's Mom, and a photograph of a young Dave. Pam tonight told me their eyes came from Dave's grandfather on his mother's side.

And another photo below, Pam, this past summer, when we got together at their Pennsylvania home and at a favorite pub where Dave and Pam spent time together.  The sketch she is holding was done by Dave's father, many years before the couple coincidentally started visiting there.

These memories remind me why it's so important to cherish the friendships and family who still surround us.

[W3RSW]

Thanks Joe and Paul.  I wondered how long ZRF had that handlebar.  Looks like he attended grade school with the first glimmers of 'points.'

Nice to see that Pam is doing ok; she's quite proud of that sketch.

Joe, enjoyed the QSO on 40 Christmas Eve. Sorry the SW broadcaster took us out.

The best to you all, Pam especially, in the coming year.  Hard to believe it'll be 2013.