As a speech pathologist in the Morgan Hill Unified School District, I worked alongside Geri O'Day for years.  Her joie de vivre was unparalleled! We would sit in the faculty lounges of the various schools we served (Geri was the music teacher back then), tell stories and laughed until we cried. Her laugh was both loud and infectious. Her eyes sparkled as she told stories and anecdotes to this young, green speech pathologist (me!).  She was simply adorable! Over our times together, we became very good friends. I visited her a few times in her home on Academy Street right next to the railroad tracks in Tulare. I asked her, "Did living right next to the railroad tracks keep you and Maurice awake at night?" She replied, :"No, just the opposite. The sound of the trains passing by put me to sleep!"  While there, Geri talked about her life in Tulare, her children growing up, and her travels.  Being with Geri and laughing with her was like a cleansing of the soul. Wiping away my tears of laughter, I left her feeling a glow of warmth throughout my body and soul, she had that kind of affect on me. Not knowing Geri had passed away, I mailed her my personal Christmas letter to her as she used to do for me. When it came back 'Return to Sender', that's how I found out she had passed away. The world is so much less without her. Lucky Heaven and Eternity--they have her!