Years ago Sid and I would go up to Prescott to play golf every summer and he would sometimes call his brother Carl that lives in that area. About 5 years ago we talked about how Carl and Margaret were getting older and we also didn't see Vernon and Willene very much anymore. Sid started calling Carl and playing golf with him and we'd go out to dinner with him and Margaret when we were up there. Vernon and Willene couldn't join us at first, but all the brothers and their wives have been together for a few days the last 3 years. Last summer Willene expressed concern that Vernon was having memory problems. It has gotten progressively worse and he has been diagnosed with dementia. We can tell the difference each time we see him. We met with him, Willene and their daughter last night at their home. Vernon has had his driving license taken away from him and Willene's recent shoulder surgery and problems from the surgery prevents her from driving. They are facing a hard time in their lives when they are no longer able to take care of themselves. Decisions are being made for them that are hard. As Sid talked to Carl about everything I am even more thankful now for the summers we all made the effort to get together. Vernon will not remember any of us very shortly. We worried that Carl, who is 9 years older than Sid, would be the one to leave first, but it will be Vernon, who is less than 2 years older. He will still be here physically, but will not share in his brothers "remember when" fun.
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