As some of you know, my husband, Robert Masters, in 2008, became severely ill with congestive heart failure and his fine doctors told him the truth– he would not last out the year.

With the help and care of our wonderful housekeeper Bernie Harrington, and the compassionate attention of Elizabeth Austin as well as other kind friends, Bob made it through to July. During that time, I learned not only about being a caregiver but also a good deal of what it means to be present when someone close is dying. (Bob and I were married for 43 years.)

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