 Greta Cohn in Palm Springs |
| On Life and Love after 50 eNewsletter November 4, 2022 Overwhelmed by Grief By Columnist Tom Blake |
| Last week I wrote the longest eNewsletter ever, featuring 18 responses to the topic, Senior Sex. With or without a commitment? Today, I am writing the shortest eNewsletter I’ve ever written. My heart is heavy, my eyes have tears. On Saturday, October 29, at approximately 2 a.m., my life partner and best friend of 25 years, Greta Cohn, peacefully passed away, concluding a 130-day battle of attempted healing and recovery. On July 11, Greta fell and broke her hip. She had been experiencing neurological issues that affected her balance and other symptoms. That day commenced her 130-day battle of a hoped-for recovery. The hip healed; the neurological symptoms worsened. The final two months were spent in our home under Hospice care with 24/7 caregivers assisting. At home, she was loved, not only by me, but by her four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Also by her sisters and brothers. Not one day went by during that 130-day period without at least one of her family members visiting or being at her bedside. I share this news with you today because you Champs are like family to me. Many of you have had similar experiences, either recently or in the past. Everyone faces unique challenges as they grow older. We all do the best we can to deal with those issues. There are no services planned at this point, except for a family-members only scattering of her ashes near Catalina Island on May 6, 2023, which is three days before her 81st birthday. The reason it will be near Catalina Island is all four of her children–Terri, Tina, Tammi, and Tony were born on the island. You probably are thinking, “What can I do to help?” My answer: “No flowers, cards, or gifts. Please just a prayer for Greta. She had a heart of gold. She taught special education children for 32 years.” One last item. The healthcare workers who touched Greta’s life were incredible people. They loved Greta and she loved them. They are angels. Thanks to all of you for being in my life. |
 Tom and Greta at Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro |  Tom, Greta, and Diane Sawyer on June 8, 2005, Good Morning America appearance where Diane interviewed Tom |
On Life and Love after 50 