oh January!!!! i'm sorry!!! (((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

i know EXACTLY how you feel. my next door neighbor is this little tiny old guy named Norm! i moved in about six years ago and he's given me the history of the neighborhood and my house, etc.

he'd putter in the backyard and i'd walk over and talk to him. he'd scold me about my yard looking bad! over the years his mind has gone more and more. he can't remember words like son or his son's name, etc.

i noticed today his son was moving Norm's recliner out and into a truck. i was too afraid to stop and ask!!!!! i don't want Norm to have passed....i'm living in denial that maybe he's gone to live with his son. i like that version of reality!!!!

older folks are such neat people!! they don't mind telling you what they think!! it's great! very refreshing!

Ernie sounds like he was an awesome guy!

take care of yourself as you grieve the loss of your friend!!! i'll be thinking of you!!