AnneMarie, you were not only our new, next-door neighbor at Lake Gilman, you were our first friend there too. The first evening we drove up to look at the property, we met you and Cicada out for a walk. A simple, hello, turned into a 20-minute chat that felt more like connecting with an old friend, than meeting a stranger. We will always cherish your warm welcome, along with your wish that we would get the house. Getting to know you was a special joy, especially discovering how many friends we had in common – your beautiful aunt Bonnie, who I knew from her time singing with Dynasty, and Joe Mulgrew, who’s candy store I visited every day as a boy, on the way home from St. Richard’s School. It is very hard to believe you are really gone, Sweet Girl. I still look for your wave from the deck each morning, and expect to see you turn the corner with Cicada every afternoon. I miss you very much, dear friend – I will always miss you here. My comfort lies in knowing that you are safe and well now in the arms of Jesus, and that one day we will meet again in heaven – as much more than neighbors. Until then, I pray that God comforts your family in their sorrow over losing you, much too soon to have told you, goodbye.