Earnest George Blade 1918-2007

Today was the memorial service for my Great Uncle Ernie. He had a long life, joined the Navy, met a "special friend" with whom he lived with for almost 70 years. After the Navy, he became a farmer, then a chef. He was always so spunky! When I went to see him this summer in Pa, he was sick with cancer, in pain, and just pissed at the world - but would still crack a joke. Luckily, the Blade's have the long life gene. My Aunt Bertha is will be 98 this January, and my Aunt Edna is 94 - up until the past couple of years, my Aunt Edna would volunteer at a nursing home to "cheer up the old folks." Of course, the 'old folks' were 10-15 years younger than her. It's a shame families only tend to get together during weddings and funerals.