It was good to go to Sandpoint with my children and grandchildren to stay in Joan’s house one more time, prepare the house for sale, and go through all of her things evoking memories, laughter  and tears. 

We cruised the lake in the pontoon boat, stopping occasionally to talk about Joan and enjoy the views, and then scatter her ashes in the lake, toasted her with champagne and submerged the bottle with some of her favorite things in it, including some tatting and mascara.  

She would be 75 today, and if I reminded her, which I always did, that she was 10 years older than me, she would’ve uttered a curse word, and called me an appropriate name. 😂🎂🙄🤷‍♀️ Sisters!

We drove home with her cute red Jeep, and the plan is that all seven of her Washington grand nephews will drive it for two years before passing it on to their cousin or little brother. I think she would like it!

Be at peace, Joan.  We have forever memories.♥️💐🎂👯‍♀️💃🏽

I loved our little talks we had. We always had some wine and talked in the patio, living room, and her bedroom. We talked about her past, my goals, my parents past, my son, life in general, and how she wanted me to move on since I became a single mother. Each time I would visit her she would ask if I had found someone already and each time I would laugh and say not yet. Her facial expression each time was of annoyance and disappointment followed by, “You need to find someone that loves you and your son and that makes you happy. You are too young and beautiful to not want to look for Love again”. How I miss her expressions and her words.

Joan arranged for us to meet more often so she can teach me how stocks worked. I was very nervous at first because I had no clue but she gave me the confidence I needed. Whenever I had questions I would text her and she would call me or invite me over. Joan even sent me information on a class my son could take when he was a Sophomore in high school.

There was one occasion (about 5 years ago or so) she called and asked if I could go over and remove a lizard from her shower. I laughed and told her that I was sorry but was scarred of lizards. I suggested that maybe her pool guy can help but he had been there 1 day before. She then asked if my dad would be willing to go and he did. When we arrived we saw a baby lizard and bursted laughing. My dad tried to show Joan how small and cute it was but she refused to see it and just wanted it out.

Joan has a very special place in my heart and will miss her and our talks over wine. I’m grateful for the day when Joan and Jay approached my parents 26 years ago to inquire about their business. We all got to experience Joan’s kindness. 

If you asked me to name people in my life that I know loved me, Joan would be right up there near the top of the list. 

I can't tell you how much I will miss Joan answering the phone with "Hi Tommy!" in her wonderful, cheerful voice (...and I would answer her calls in the Southern version, "Hey Joanie!").  She cared about what was going on in my life, and always asked what was new with my wife, kids and grandkids.  She wanted to know what was going on with my job and our lives in Georgia.  We caught up on current events, and there would be a financial tidbit or political banter.  She was generous and caring toward me and my family.

There was always something new to learn about Joan.  Her life was an adventure, and she always had a good story...

There was no one like Joanie.  I will miss her greatly.

Joan did not cook much...   The family was at her house, and picked up groceries to cook a meal.  Someone opened the oven, and there was a bucket of KFC in there.  Joan got an "oh - &%#@" look on her face.  She couldn't remember when she put it in there.  It had been a while...

BUT HER TACO SALAD WAS THE BEST!!  I still make it often.