Ileane Greene

This is a tough one.  How can someone so alive not be with us anymore?  

She was always nearby and very present. There would be the crossword in the Tribune at breakfast. As she tended to that task there were precise and funny comments on the day's business. Ileane had opinions and they were thoughtful and informative.  Many times they were very funny. 

Later in the day you might  see her in front of the fireplace reading a book. If someone was foolish enough to ask her what she was reading we all know the answer.  Afternoons she might be playing cards with concentration, levity and maybe a little gossip.  At random times she'd be sitting patiently in the lobby but there would soon be a small crowd  around her exploding with laughter.  Her laugh was always distinct and special.

It was the best laugh I ever heard from a woman.  It was very boisterous, but not raucous.  It was infectious and mellow.   The best part was that it was real and it could be heard for a long way. You knew that you just missed something hilarious if you heard it from afar.  You probably also missed a learning opportunity.

Ileane had  many consultations with her good friend, Sandy, as to when to go to the library to check out books and to select movies for the twice weekly showings.  On movie night she was the first person there in a front seat on the far left.  She read her book until the movie started. There might be greetings as favorites arrived. Afterwards her opinion of the movie was shared.  She always knew how to cut through the crap.

Once a month she rounded everyone up and all proceeded to a restaurant where the service better be good or they would hear about it.  You were supposed to meet at 3:30 in the lobby for these excursions.  The first time I went I entered the lobby at approximately 3:25.  Ileane was on her phone calling to see why I wasn't there yet.  I quickly learned that 3:30 meant 3:15.  We were supposed to be in our cars by 3:30, ready to roll.

Recently, it was obvious that  Ileane was fading.  She needed more help with her phone.  She didn't have much to say  and her laughter was rare and more subdued.   There was  obviously some pain and more confusion.  She often looked at me in a helpless way but then quickly converted back to a smile.   Some days she did not show up because maybe she had a doctor's appointment or she was at her daughter's.  Or maybe she was just tired.

And then one day she never showed up again.  

There is no limit on what I wouldn't give to hear that wonderful laugh of hers just one more time.   It haunts my dreams.