Once again my world has been shaken and will never be the same again. John Popadak called to tell us that his wife Sigrid (Ziggy) had passed away, her body so riddled with cancer cells that no treatment was possible other than that which might have made her last few days bearable.
We have known John and Ziggy since 1985 as John held a job at Inland Regional Center similar to mine at Harbor Regional Center. Like us, even close to the same age, John and Ziggy had left house and family in Southern California to pursue a career in Sacramento. We could and did empathize with each other.
Someone was telling me the other day that we're lucky if we get what we deserve in life. If so, I don't think Ziggy was very lucky but she would probably disagree. She did have a wonderful husband and family members who thought the world of her. She made friends easily and shared her talents. She brightened up the Knit-Wits, the knitting club at the local library and was so patient trying to teach Carolyn and me a card game that I never did understand.
So if Ziggy had gotten what she deserved she would have had all she did have without all the health problems and disappointments she suffered. Of course she now no longer has the pain and suffering while she does still have friends and family so maybe she finally has what she deserves. We will miss her.
Dear Arnold and Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure visiting with you both yesterday at the Popadaks' home. While I was sad about the circumstances under which we met, I was grateful for the opportunity for us to spend some time together. I really enjoyed hearing your stories about family, friends, and history at the regional center. I hope our paths will cross again under different and happier circumstances. You are both lovely people.
Warm regards,
Anh