March 20, 2017

Dear Neal,

So pleased we were able to go out to lunch together last October, 2016.  Disappointed that we will not have any future lunch dates...Pleased that our last meal together was at your favorite:  Papa Gino's.  You fell in love with their sauce when they came to town when we were kids.  Only two blocks from our house!  How convenient.

You were so patient with me that day as I used my coupon at the shoe store and in true Ferrante fashion helped me to calculate the best deal!  Your ability to calculate figures in your brain always amazed me!  I always need pencil and paper.  You even helped me to find some great bargains at Michael's.  

Thank you for caring for Dad after his liver surgery and complicated drains.  He would never have been able to come home without your help.  Mom could never have learned these dressings since she did not have the stomach for it.  He would have had to stay at the Rehab Hospital and he needed to be home to heal properly.

Your love for the Bruins was only surpassed by your love of the anthem:  "Oh, Canada".  Your ability to sing this a capello was surprising and delightful.  I have fond memories of a family gathering at the Gallaghers when you sang it for all of us.  You did not even know Pat's family very well so you were very brave!

I will always have fond memories of all of our backyard antics.  We played a lot of games together.  The teams were always:  Sheila and Ricky versus David and Neal.  We played street hockey for hours (with the deflated playground ball).  However, it did not matter what the game was we had fun:  Croquet; wiffle ball; and touch football were a few that we loved.  

When we went to Emerson Playground to the Basketball Courts I would delight when I could beat you at HORSE by using my backbend shot (upside down).  It was my ace in the hole!  Our teams there were the same.  Me and Ricky versus you and David.  You were always kind and allowed me to get my shot off even though you could have blocked all of my shots!

You and I loved following David around the neighborhood.  Some of my fondest memories were when we would climb onto Alcott's School roof to collect all of the red playgound balls.  Then we would act innocent when Dad asked us where they came from!

Your attitude about dialysis was so brave and accepting.  You simply told me "it was time".  I on the other hand refused dialysis for four years...only started May 31, 2016.  I am sitting in my dialysis chair now so I cannot attend your services.  I am heading to Florida to visit Laurel (have not seen her in six months). 

Laurel loved kidnapping you and taking you out to lunch together.  She remembered you pushing her on the swings at Emerson Playgournd after the April 19th parade.  I need to find those photos...tucked away in a box somewhere.

I will always love you.  I miss you already.  

i am certain that you have headed to a heavenly realm....say "hi" to Dad; Mom; and Ricky.

Love,  

Sheila (one of the little kids)