Sharon and the family invited us over for Archie's 80th birthday party, a wonderful occasion which was full of friendly conversation, good drink, funny songs by his kids, and a mandolin serenade on an instrument he had built himself. As usual, the spread was bountiful, including a side of cold smoked salmon, little bagels and rolls with tenderloin, savory-spiced beef satay, horseradish sauce, tiny pierogis, artichoke dip, shrimp with cocktail sauce, Archie and Sharon's home-made dolma, and later, both a chocolate and a strawberry shortcake birthday cake. Knob Creek bourbon, too.
So it was with heartache that we heard that, after the party was winding down, he went up to bed with a headache, suffered a stroke that very night, and died within days. We hope that his last thoughts were of his wife and children giving him such a wonderful party, and of all of the people who love him.
1 comment:
My mom just told me about your blog tonight. Thanks for the lovely description of the evening, one month ago tonight, and all of your kind thoughts. We are missing The Good Old One terribly, but memories like these cheer our souls. With Love, Mieke
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