When I lost my mom to Alzheimer's in 2010 I never imagined how my mother-in-law would gently step in and fill the void. Jeannine and I were alike in so many surprising ways and the fiery temper we both learned to control, me not so much, fueled a connection between us. Not of anger, but of deep feelings and love between a daughter and a mother. I so appreciated her quick and clever mind and incredible memory which never faded like my own mother's. Instead, Maman had more than her share of physical pain, which she bore with her abundant strength of character. She taught me a lot about restraint and patience and I would tease her and make her laugh. We grew to be great friends and my fondest wish was for her to move in with us to stay, but she loved her home in Timmins, with Bert and Kiki so close - lunches and dinners and cottage and visits and puzzles with everyone. And she couldn't leave Slim, whose giant personality and presence still fills the house. His cap on the bed saying, I will be back, you'll wait for me won't you Jeannine? Now they are together and I have to say goodbye. Goodbye to her hugs, tiny goodnight kisses and powder puff scent. Goodbye.