I just saw a sad affair.

[HEyHEY]

There is a lady here who basically started this newspaper. Eventually it was bought by a major chain and she stayed on as the publisher. Two months ago she was sort of forced to retire because of company policy. But she stayed on as an ad-sales lady. She's been in the paper business for probably over 40 years. Anytime I've mentioned to collegues what paper I work at they always ask "Is Betty still there?"

SHe had a mild heart attack about three weeks ago and long story short she can't work anymore. I hadn't seen here since the heart attack. She just came in with her grandson (my editor) and cleaned out all her stuff...she really doesn't want to retire and I could feel such a sense of sadness in the office.

She's such a nice lady too. ANd I just checked to see if she had taken her picture of Winston Churchill and another rock star whom I can't remember off the wall. She had...which means she's gone forever.

Really quite sad...and beautiful.

[Dookus]

1. Can you keep in touch with her?

Ask her for advice, let her know what's going on at the paper, keep her informed. She'd probably enjoy that, and it sounds like she'd be a great source for you. She knows a lot.... it's a shame to let it all slip away. Get her email addy!

[bubblesby2002]

2. Very sad.....

She's probably devastated. I imgine that would be unbelievbly painful. I don't mean the heat attack, I mean leaving something that you had spent your whole life doing. Life goes on though and she will be replaced. Or maybe not, considering the way the newspaper chains in Canada have functioned recently. I hope someone threw her a good-bye party?

edited for spelling

[HEyHEY]

3. No, no party

Because her grandson is the editor, and her daughter is the receptionist.. Then there is just two reporters.

Plus it was so depressing I don't think anyone wanted to touch it.

[bubblesby2002]

4. God that is just soooo sad.

Maybe you could keep in touch with her for a while. She'll probably feel like she's lost her right arm. It's amazing how much we identify ourselves with our professions.

[glarius]

5. This is very sweet for a young person like you to be concerned with this

elderly lady....:)