Hello to all of my friends. This is a very difficult article for me to write, but for those of you who know me, I hope you understand.

This is going to be my last article for the Lakes Region Weekly for the foreseeable future. My editor, mentor and friend, David Harry has left the paper and this past month has been a nightmare for my family.

My mom, Dorothy Emmertz, who is 78, was in Canada for recently visiting her “high school sweetheart.” They left Ontario Sunday, Nov. 16 and set off in a blizzard to return to her home in Falmouth. Less than half an hour later they were in a terrible accident and had to be removed from the car with the “jaws of life.”

Late on that Sunday, my sister Elizabeth had to make all of the arrangements to MedVac her home, while dealing with the fact that though Canada has national health care all visitors must pay in cash. Many kudos to my sister for herculean efforts, but a warning to all persons visiting Canada: have a credit card with a large limit or a suitcase full of currency even if you have health insurance, of which my mom has two sources!

I do not think that any of us believe a tragic accident will occur while we are on vacation, but things do happen. As Ellen Fogg, our longtime family friend and AAA manager instructs, always buy trip insurance. As it turns out, AAA may pay for a portion of the $11,000 price tag to bring Mom home.

The surgery to repair the shattered femur went well and I would appreciate all prayers and good wishes for her. For all of you who have been following me over the last 15 months, Mom has many medical issues and this is like the Energizer Bunny coming back on steroids as none of us can believe she survived the accident, the transport or the surgery. Go figure.

On a lighter note, I have wonderful news about the cardinals from my last article. Remember, I did not know where they went in the summer, but they were always here in the winter? Well, Steve and Bonny Edwards researched it for me (come on guys, you remember your teachers from Lake Region) and it turns out that cardinals “wander” in the summer, obviously looking for great waterfront deals and then return to where the food is during the colder months.

I just love the fact that you all respond to questions and that it makes you think and want to get answers and make this column interactive. I hope someone will take it over and care about this community as much as I do, have done and will continue to feel a passion for.

Thank you for your loyalty, friendships and the information you always share.

Keep reading! Maybe I will be back.