June and

The only time I saw Theresa alone was shortly after Walter’s death.

Our husbands had worked closely together, bonded by their dedication to our country.

I knew how painful his loss had to be and I called her to ask if she was interested in joining our group’s annual jaunt; that year to Rome.

Without hesitation she accepted, and soon she was part of the closely knit group of women dedicated to helping “the girls” that included the elderly nuns who had dedicated their lives, energy and love to the mission of Madonna Heights in Dix Hills.

Shortly upon our return Theresa introduced us to June. From that moment on, I doubt if any of our group ever saw them individually. They were bonded in friendship apparently from their early days in nurses’ training.

For the next decade or so, they both shared our excursions and fund raising endeavors. Invariably they were the first to volunteer to bake the cookies, share the annual picnic planning or fill any other need where volunteers were solicited.

Time, as always, took its toll on our group. The beloved nuns were moved to another state, new administrators were introduced and became part of our lives. But, of course, we too, were aging in different ways.

The jaunts continued, but the cast of travelers changed. Daughters became companions, still June and Theresa persevered, each the other’s caregiver.

In recent years that, too, changed, and as her health diminished Theresa needed more and more assistance. June was never far from her side; never complaining, just a constant presence at luncheons, fashion shows, and of course, in the same pew weekly at Sunday Mass.

Some of us tried to be of more help, but our own problems and frailty intervened. Still it was a shock to read the email seven days ago and learn June had died.

Our instant reaction was, “But what will happen to Theresa,” and of course, there was no answer.

That was last week. There was another email this morning, June came back last night and brought Theresa home.

Whenever I think about the word friendship, I will never forget theirs.