Oh man. Carol, this is so sad and heartfelt. It's a beautiful tribute to a friend and pen-pal of so many years. I can only hope to impact someone like this when I'm 80something and aging beyond my means to help myself. I'm sure she appreciated you as much as you appreciated her.

I had no idea Ashes and Acorns was tied to her story....but it makes sense now.

Thank you for sharing this with us.