Missy was a friend to many, having learned to be a good listener and to participate without overpowering a group. I appreciated that about her. People loved having Missy around. Our family, as do so many other people, misses deeply the companionship lost.

Quietly Missy presented herself among us.

Quietly Missy had a presence among us.

Her absence shouts loudly in our ears. We look forward to – no, we yearn for – the reunion of tomorrow.

These words were born of the angst of this separation:

“My father-heart waits longingly
for our gladdest reunion,
but today my impatience cries a
rebellious note in return.”

Oh, that I could reach across that narrow starlit strip…