Obie Oakley
I opened my computer this morning hoping that Ellouise's email about Betsy was a dream. Again, sadly it was true.
Since Christmas, Betsy has been very much on my mind and made it to my "To Do" list to give her a New Year's call. It has been cathartic for me telling Frances how special Betsy was. I keep a copy of her "Christmas of 1947" here above my desk. We were together from Midwood to Piedmont and of course Central. It was at the end of our 55th or 60th reunion when just the two of us were cleaning up the room where some folks had gathered for a farewell coffee that we connected again. I simply looked at her and told her that I loved her. She responded likewise. No hugs or embraces, but a deep heartfelt understanding was experienced. Since then, whenever she came to town to visit her family, we would meet, usually for coffee somewhere in the Cotswold Shopping Center.I'm going to miss her and although I didn't get to make that call, I think she always knew that I thought of her quite often
-Obie
