Nancy the person, from a lifelong friend

The summer before 4th grade my family moved into the house next to the Paulikases.  So Nancy and I of course were friends and we were in the same class together since 4th grade. Below is a photo of us at one of her birthday parties (she's on the right, 2nd from the back. I'm the one behind her). We used to rush home from school together on Tuesdays to watch Dark Shadows, a vampire-themed soap opera which today would make you roll your eyes but to us as kids was thrilling and left us hanging each week.

It wasn't until we were adults that I realized how much Nancy loves gardens.  In 2008 we moved back to my old childhood home after being up north for many years, and she generously invited us over and introduced us to her and Kirk's many friends.  I'll always remember coming over for what seemed like a constant gathering of friends at her and Kirk's home.  As people were wrapping up and getting ready to leave she led us into the kitchen where there were 8 inch tall tomato plants she'd started from seed.  She gave them away to everyone to take home (in fact, I think the offspring of those plants are still growing at our old house).  

I took her out for her birthday and I remember her telling me, and these were her exact words, "For my birthday Kirk is giving me the gift of a garden".  She was so delighted that he was building raised beds for her and creating a space where she could really make it happen. Earlier this year we moved to Washington and I'm in anguish that I cannot be down there with you helping to look for her.  I am so grateful for all of you working such long and exhausting hours trying to find her.  We must find her -- and thanks to all of you there I know that we will.  Thank you, thank you. Please keep it up.  She's counting on us.  -- Diane Bassett