Nobody wanted to work holidays as they had family or friends they wanted to be with, so I would usually do them. It worked out that I got extra workdays, which Ruby liked, but I wanted more time off. Then I asked for a months leave to take a long trip. After coming back we greeted each other again with a big hug, then went on talking about the news that I needed to catch up with. She always asked about my grandson Joey and prayed for him to get well. We became closer friends as time went by and I found her nicer when I made a mistake. I told her often that I wouldn't quit her.

We still took trips to the park everyday, if the weather permitted. Sometimes we just sat in the car and watched people and animals walk by. Some were on skates, or bicycles but all interesting and colorful.

After getting home there was lots to do, as she needed a healthy dinner with fresh vegetables and fruit. She usually quietly, rested in the big chair near the kitchen. I wasn't sure if she was sleeping or thinking of something for us to do later on. Her hand and long red fingernails reminded me of a bird's hand. Then sometimes she was real hungry and while circling the dinning room table would grab some chocolate out of the drawer, as she went by. Then she might say " hurry up, I'm hungry." And I'd answer, "You see I am hurrying." And she answered. "But I'm still hungry."

Later in the even she might ask for Tums to settle her stomach. Before bedtime she got a tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia and a baby aspirin.

Doreen called on my day off and said Ruby had lots of pain last night and had to go to the hospital. They checked her to see what was causing the pain. First they ruled out heart problems because her heart was like a twenty year olds. Another two days went by and she seemed fine as I visit her. She was asking the nurses to let her go home. After a couple weeks and many tests the Doctors found out that she had a serious pancreatic problem and it would eventually be terminal. So when Ruby came home they brought a new diet with her and lots of instructions. It was a no fat diet and meant that she couldn't eat anymore of her favorite chocolate. Although she didn't seem to realize how serious things were she turned out to be a good patient and accepted the Doctors orders.

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Miss Muriel