What's good. . .about a world without June in it?

I have to take a few moments this morning to mourn the loss of a very special friend. The friend who among other things is responsible for the title of this blog. If you're looking for real estate wisdom or advice today, I guess you will have to look elsewhere.

Among the most remarkable people I have met is the one who inspired the name of this blog. June Salander, who died peacefully, surrounded by family yesterday afternoon about a month shy of her 102nd birthday never that I can remember, started a conversation any other way. "What's good?" or occasionally "Tell me something good." She never stopped inspiring me with her wisdom, her sense of humor, her need to nurture (and feed!) those around her. She was older than I am today when she began a successful real estate career, and at 72 she took up tennis and enjoyed it for many years. She continued to follow the pros for years after she was sidelined at 89 with a rotator cuff injury, and loved watching it on tv. When Lou, her beloved husband passed several years ago, June embarked on a journey that became a passion. At the age of 89 she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah, and continued to study Hebrew with the Rabbi for many years.

There is no denying she was a remarkable woman, an extraordinary human being. I miss her terribly and cannot envision the world without her in it. I love this picture of June, taken sometime around her 100th birthday I believe. I will keep this lovely image of a lovely woman in my head and heart.

For me a consideration when I left Vermont was that June was unlikely to outlive me, (she was 95 when I left) and that I was going to be limiting my time with her by being so far apart. I never went home without a visit, and made it home for many of her birthdays including the enormous celebration of her 100th at the Rutland synagogue.

What's good. . .that June touched so many lives in her nearly 102 years on this planet, and that she is again with Lou, and George, a son she lost many years ago. I am glad she touched mine.