Dear I-R,
Having just renewed my subscription for the “umpteenth” time, I was especially looking forward to this issue, as I knew Paula Mae Schneider’s obit would be in it, as her children, Cheri and James, had called to let me know the end was near.
Paula and I had been friends since I sat behind her in “Miss Zammy’s” 2nd grade and had traveled together to New York City, San Antonio, Branson and our last great trip — to Memphis. I wanted to come see her one last time but knew managing three airports wasn’t possible, due to spinal arthritis.
I always enjoy (and have learned things about my family) Passages. But got a real bonus from “No Place Like Home” by Jackie Mundt. I have described myself as having no past.
The grade and high schools have been replaced, the Methodist church with beautiful stained glass windows replaced with plastic. The bridge I walked over twice a day gone. The house I grew up in bought by FEMA after a flood and used for practice by the fire department.
And soon gone — the hospital where I had two children and worked as a “nurse’s aide,” thanks to a night nurse who taught me to make “hospital corners” and recommended me for a job when my sister Margaret, Mom and I took turns sitting with Grandpa Powell after he had major surgery.
Yes, I have wonderful memories since moving (reluctantly) to California. But Ellsworth will always be home.

D.K. Albertson
Grover Beach, Calif.