I have many fond memories of my best friends mom. A few stand out above the rest. Leah and I were about 7 and our families were gathered at the Thompson house. The 40 ouncer was dry and Tina and Leah were sent on a walk to the Parsons around the corner to find a full one. As good little girls we did what we were told. Fran was mortified when she saw us skipping up the sidewalk with the bottle in hand and not in a bag. Nobody told us! We laughed again about this a few weeks ago. Another fun experience is when Falcona camp had a lice outbreak. All the campers were sent home. Fran picked up Leah but before she went home, she stopped to get me. She figured that we better be safe than sorry! Leah and I never even had it. This is how motherly she was. Wanted to ensure we were lice free! As we got older, Fran was always there for us. To teach and guide us. One day, our mothers thought theyd challenge us with a skilled question, Whats a period? Fran was convinced Leah would know, and my Mom was convinced I would know. Leah stated, yes I know, its the dot at the end of a sentence!. Then I responded, No! Its a break in hockey, like a period in the game!. They were both shocked and Fran then began to educate us on our cycles! My 19thBirthday was a great night, I still remember Norm returning Leah, well carrying her to the door and giving her to Fran. I think this was one of the first times Norm met Fran, definitely not a great first impression! As we shared stories and memories with Franny during the last two months it gave us an opportunity to have no regrets and no words unsaid . We all had special moments with her. Ill never forget one special one that her and I shared. I loved her like my 2ndmother and am very grateful that I had the opportunity to have her in my life. She was full of knowledge, advice, wisdom and so very loving. I reflected this week after her passing, how I will support Leah, her family and fulfill my promise to Fran. There was a puzzle that was started at the kitchen table at the Ellis house when Fran first became ill. It was a means to help the time pass when she was resting. With each visit I had I was amazed by not only the progress I was seeing but at how many hands it was taking to carefully select and place each piece. It challenged us. Each visitor took part. As the puzzle was completed, I thought about how we all came together, for Fran, the family and for each other. These past couple of months truly were a puzzle at times and I know Fran is watching us today and proud of how we all worked together.