Fourteen years ago Don became an unofficial but special member of our family. He loved telling the story about how I met him when I "caught" him kissing Mom in the pillow aisle at Ben Franklin. Don and Carolyn shared a loving friendship. They camped, traveled, fished and laughed together. He enjoyed the crazy madness of our family gatherings, especially the 3rd of July celebrations at the lake and Christmas celebrations at my brother's. He was a flirt. Wherever he went he would charm the ladies with his smile and sense of humor. He really liked my lasagna and would drop "hints" that it was time to make it again. He was brutal during the game of dominos. We would have domino tournaments with us and my brother and sister-in-law. The loser would take home the ugly trophy. The only time he ended up with it was when he didn't show up for a game...Karen delivered the trophy to his front door and he laughed and laughed. That's what we will miss most...the laughter. Don struggled as his body failed him and now the battle is over he is in peace and we are happy for him but sad for us and the empty space in our family that he leaves behind.
