A Tribute to a Dear Friend: We Love You Norm

We lost another dear friend on Monday. I haven't written about it yet because I was involved in helping with the Memorial. Norm's death was expected as he had emphysema and had been suffering for a long time. It was a relief when he was able to pass away. His dear wife and son were with him along with the Hospice nurse that helped ease his suffering. His family and friends are very grateful to this angel in human form.

I loved Norm. He was not only a friend from church but also a neighbor. He was born in Scotland and even had a kilt. He was raised in Chicago and was rough around the edges. I really related to Norm. His wife Annie and he looked alike but were as different as day and night. She is a pacifist and a Democrat. He was a Republican and a veteran of the Marines. She is very perfectionist and prim. Norm was a slob with papers everywhere in his coin shop. He still knew where everything was.

When I would call the house he always called me sweetheart. I would say, "How did you know it was me?" He of course had caller ID.

Annie would joke in the background and say, "I heard him call you sweetheart!"

Annie asked me to do a painting of heaven for his Memorial. I had less than 24 hours to do it. I wasn't that happy with it, but the family loved it. I wondered how I was going to come up with a painting of heaven in that little bit of time. She doesn't know that the Memorial for Norm was actually on my birthday. Believe me I am not a martyr. I consider it an honor to celebrate Norm's life on my birthday. It wasn't a happy day because of our grief but it was an honor to share that with Annie and her family.

When Norm lay dying, the hospice nurse told him that Jesus was holding out his hand to him. He was able to let go and be with Jesus. That is what inspired my painting. I painted Jesus with Norm as a little boy. It is not that great of a work of art, but the sentiment was what mattered.

We will miss you Norm. We won't let Annie suffer alone. We will be there for her. We will mourn for a long time but the good memories will not be forgotten. I know that Ryan his son, and his wife and the grandchildren will be a great comfort to each other. Rest in peace Norm.

We also got word of another tragedy. That is a story for later. We are reeling with shock from that one too.