June, my beautiful, sweet, humble wife of 54 years - You are deep in the shadows of Alzheimer's and probably will not understand what I am saying. I only hope that God will place this message in a secret chamber of your heart where in another time and in another world you can recall and understand my words.

I remember the time when you returned home very late for supper. I heard distant sirens and feared the worst. But then you arrived all smiles and puzzled to see me standing in the door with a tear stained face. To my explanation you responded - "I never thought I was so important." My voice and words failed me and I could only hug you close. How could I ever find the words to tell you that to me you are like the sun with my world revolving around you?

You will always be the love and light of my life! If you travel into life's sunset before I do, walk slowly - wait up - watch for me. 

                                                                 STAN

(Published in: Celebrations - Birthdays of the Community section “North” of the   Minneapolis Star Tribune for Wednesday November 8th, 2006 and Source  section, Thursday November 9^th, 2006 edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.) 

Notes: On October 23^rd, 2008 June passed away after almost eleven years of an exhausting battle with Alzheimer’s. June's last three years and 8 plus months were in an Alzheimer’s facility. Her last years were at the Alzheimer’s “Villa” of the Benedictine Health Care Center of Innsbruck, New Brighton, MN. See the funeral notice as published in the Minneapolis Star - Tribune. It is located on the top blue navigation strip under the label: “In Memoriam”. Click on: “June K. (Rolstad) Berg – In Memoriam”.