I met Irene after her husband died. I was head hen for the month, which means I coordinated the relief effort for our Synagogue when help was needed. An older Jewish lady in Kuna (nearby town) who was unaffiliated husband had just past. Her niece call the Synagogue. Since I hadn't met the lady I coordinated the effort through a lady who had. She invited Irene to our monthly ladies lunch.
I met her at the lunch. She is a very nice lady trying to work her way around widowhood. We hit it off and talked in the parking lot for over one hour. I was not trying to get business but I did mention I was an agent and gave her my card so she could call me. As a friend not an agent. We stayed in contact and I did my best to make her feel comfortable within the temple.
A couple of months later she asked me how much her home was worth. I set up a meeting. Her family wanted her to move back to Boston. She had no children but she had family back east. It seemed like a good idea because she was isolated in Kuna. I gave her the value. She had a wonderful little white dog who was like her child. She would take her on walks and pamper her. They were best friends. We prepared the home for sale and I helped her sell her furniture on Craigslist and run some garage sales. I bought her dining room set. On Yom Kippur I hosted Irene and her niece for the meal before the fast. Her niece was wonderful. We went to Synagouge together. The house closed on Yom Kippur. We had signed before the holiday. Everytime I gather my family around the beautiful table I think of her.
Eventually we had a good offer and we took it. By this time I sort of felt that Irene was like an Aunt or a really good friend. I was very sorry to see her leave but I knew it was the right move for her. She and her dog settled into an apartment where her dog was listed as a companion animal. We kept in touch. Sometime this winter or spring Snoopy had to be put down. I expressed sympathy and wondered how Irene would do. By now Irene is probably about 85.
Today I had a phone call from the niece that she is in the hospital. I pray for either a good recovery or release. I can't help wondering if the dog's needs kept her healthy. She walked that dog 4 times a day. She had more energy than I did. I was horrified when I found she dug her own car out of a blizzard in Boston. Her family would have gotten to her when they could drive.
So today I am concerned. I meet people and sometimes become very good friends with them as I help them leave Boise. It is sort of a mixed blessing when I sell the home. Irene reconnected with her family and seemed to live a full life in Boston. She was always telling me about her family and the people in the building. Everyone loved Snoopy. Because of Snoopy everyone knew who she was. Some people made sure her car was dug out after it was clear she didn't consider herself to old to dig the car out.
So today I will say a prayer for my friend Irene and hope for good news
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