Francine Dibben and the new year

I have been wanting to post something more about Francine since she was noted in the Times on January 1 as one of our area's greatest losses this past year.

I keep delaying because for me the personal pain has not yet begun to let go.  The fact that Francine is the only woman and the only person not a businessman or military on the list is I think a compelling tribute to what a powerful woman she was. And it came from love  and her liberty.

As I said in my previous post; she was truly liberated. Some of us who knew her best understand the details of her journey to liberation. The greatest tribute was that everyone who came in contact with Francine realized they were with someone wonderfully special. She was in command of all her powers as a human and, noteworthy in these days, as a woman.

She loved every living thing and was never intimidated by any new venture. The last time I was with Francine in health was for early dinner and a film at Brenau on the life of Afghan women. Among all her other activities, she had befriended the 2-3 Afghan students at Brenau.

The very last time I saw her was a grand luncheon of friends with conversation so enriching and joyful. We compared hair, mine was better, but neither was much to write home about. And we spoke of blueberries and nuthatches and had wafers of incredible dark chocolate for dessert.

I find myself recalling her diaries through the two years of her illness. What a gift they were for all who loved her. After her final transplant there was still more to do as husband Jim's green card gave out and Francine drove the 18 wheeler cross country, giving us diary updates.

Lord! I miss her.  I don't want to start the new year yet because she will not be in it.