Dotsie, my mom has many friends near her in Northern VA. These are friends her and my dad knew since I was a baby. Back when my dad was in the military. In fact, she has a friend from Greece who met her husband the same time my mom met my dad. Her husband and my dad served on the same ship when my dad was in the US Coast Guard. This is how he ended up in Rhodes in the first place. This lady and her husband are on their way to Greece now and my mom will see them there as well. Another friend she has is a widower, who's wife passed away a few years ago. They have been friends with my parent's since I was a baby and I went to High School with their kids when we were all stationed in Germany. Anyway, this man has been there for my mom since my dad got sick. Not only that, his wife is buried in Quantico as well and he goes there every Sunday. While he is there, he makes sure my dad has flowers too. He has gone to Greece several times to see my parent's when they were there.

So yes, my mom has many close friends around her and of course, you know my brother live an hour away from her in Ellicott City.

I am worried now that too many people are going to give her too many endless suggestions and pressure with what to do. I want to emphasize to her that she should make whatever decision she wants to. I am first and foremost concerned about her happiness. I want her to enjoy her life and I know my dad would want that too. He was so worried about her and I believe he hung on as long as he did to make sure she would be okay.

Cheers and Love,
Cathi