Hazel Sherwood Died

I saw it on the website. Hazel Sherwood died. She was a customer of a business I used to enjoy. I did some odd jobs for her when she was healthy. Would have continued if I hadn't run away from the weather. Hazel was one of my favorites, I had a few "seniors" from the church that called when something needed to be repaired, changed or updated. I enjoyed the visit as well as the work and considered the people my friends rather than a customer. I don't remember how Hazel got my number, probably from Bob Ardner, a fellow member of the church and another of my favorites. I always stopped by to visit Hazel when I was in the area just to check and see how she was. Need something looked at? No problem, just need to run down to Bob's True Value to get a part, be right back, no don't worry about the cost, we'll settle up later. Hazel had a husband, long gone before I met her, they adopted a son, independent sort, gave Hazel a grandson that she raised as a son when I knew her.
We went back to the hometown a two years ago for Dad's 80th birthday. Checked out Valley Cemetary to see how the inlaw's were getting along. The grass still wouldn't grow over Penny. Hazel lived around the corner, convienient for a quick hello. We walked over, no one was home. The next door neighbor was gardening and took a moment to let us know that Hazel didn't live there anymore. She was at a "nursing" home. Her son and grandson lived in the house now, yeah I had noticed some things around the home that reinforced that statement. I didn't ever remember Hazel leaving a tire or empty wine bottles by the side door. After that trip I would check the obituaries back home every once in a while.  You know you're going to see it some day. Last Thursday was the day. Came home and told my best friend, "Hazel Sherwood died."
I'll see you on the other side Hazel.