Marilyn.... She was my older sister and my friend. She was the one I called when there was news or a tragedy to share, especially related to four legged creatures, because she understood and supported yet was still able to be practical. She knew what to do or at least what to try. She most often had a remedy or treatment option and she remembered them even when she hadn't used them for years - how is that even possible? She was my second mother while growing up and stepped into the sole role after our mother passed away. She was a resourceful and a problem solver and appreciated it in others. She used her problem solving skills to escape from the basement of the old Rockwood house. How did she come to be locked in the basement you ask? Marilyn and Mom babysat my youngest daughter, Devon, when I went back to work. It was Easter and Marilyn had collected candy and chocolate for the upcoming family gathering. Devon was not permitted to have any and could only look. Devon was not deterred and when Marilyn, and Mom went to do laundry in the basement, Devon hung back and shut the basement door. There were multiple bolts on the door (no one knows for sure why)and Devon slid one bolt effectively locking her them both in the basement. Marilyn banged on the door and yelled for Devon to open the door, Devon's reply was to slide yet another bolt. Marilyn was forced to find an alternate escape route and decided the old cellar door was the best option. The fact, that it had been closed up for a century or more did not stop her and she was eventually able to pry it open enough to slither through - luckily she was small. She then released Mom from inside the house and found Devon happily munching away on Easter candy - Devon was 2 years old. This story was as much about Devon as Marilyn and I am sharing because she thought Devon was so clever and resourceful and loved to tell the story. She was a do-it-yourselfer. She could gimmy rig just about anything which is a testament to her life .....you can fix anything with twine, duct tape or a shim. Her temporary fixes morphed into the ability to do more complicated home projects, like reupholstering, flooring, tiling, plumbing and fixtures. She always had wicked wallpaper and painting skills and everyone appreciated her decorator touches. I will think of her every time I walked up my stairs and see the wallpaper she helped my hang. I will never be able to change it. She was intelligent, well read and had a superior memory of which I am extremely jealous as mine fades daily. I can't count how many times in the last few days we have said "Marilyn would know". She showed up. She was reasonable and practical. Some would say she was not so reasonable nor practical when faced with illness but I know she would argue that everything she did was well thought out and important to her recovery. She was fearless and brave (sometimes these qualities could be confused with stubborn and obstinate) and tackled projects many would be afraid to try. She dabbled in many things and mastered most by not being afraid to try and fail and try again. She tackled them with determination and commitment. There were many examples but the one that sticks with me most recently is her accomplishments with Ollie in Rally Obedience. This was not something she had any experience in before adopting Ollie and she was able to show him to #1 Sheltie in Canada and #3 in all breeds. Wow! She could do it herself or as my grandson would say "I can do it my byself". My sister, Kathleen, said to her just a short week ago when she offered her a hand up the stairs, "Marilyn, you really need to start accepting help". To which Marilyn just grumbled, "I can do it myself". It bothered her to have to accept help but she was so grateful to those that did help this past year. Those include her family, friends, and neighbours who walked Ollie, drove her to appointments, took her shopping, mowed the lawn or just visited. Dear Marilyn, I heard you say, just the other day, "I'm tough and I never cry....ever" . I am not so tough so I have decided that I will not say goodbye but rather farewell and when we meet again, I will greet you with "Hi Mally, it's me" and I will wait expectantly for your response....... "Hello, Pam Pam".