ELAINE

(sigh)

The first time I met Elaine was her first day in a new job in my unit. She had arrived at the specified room and time only to realize there was no one there quite that early. When I reported for work that day and went in to sign the register, she was sitting patiently waiting for the Powers That Be to show her to her work space. "Bless her heart," I thought to myself. She has such enthusiasm, which I knew would be tested to the nth degree in this particular unit. That was many years ago, and she has proved her mettle over and over and is respected by all who work with her.

Elaine's another 1/4 of my sisterhood and probably the most "to-the-point" one of all of us. There's no nonsense about this woman. She suffers fools never, has definite and varied opinions, is a strong, strong person. Elaine's the person you want to be with when it's midnight, you're buzzing like a chain saw and are hopelessly lost in a city you've never been in before. NOT THAT THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED, YOU UNDERSTAND......it's just that she'd be the one to take charge and handle things -- and you'd be sooooo grateful for that!

This is the "sister" who repeatedly told it like it was during my separation, subsequent anxiety and eventual divorce. While she listened patiently and commisserated appropriately, she nonetheless had very little tolerance for my whining -- and rightly so. Of course, while her observations were correct, I still believe one cannot fully understand the loss until one has been there oneself. That said, I appreciated her candor and know her intentions were to help direct my focus to reality. She's a smart cookie; a kind, generous person; a great friend.

To you, Elaine.

(sigh)