Last night I had a dream that I was being summoned. With no idea of how I arrived, I suddenly found myself in a large hotel-like building. I was entering and exiting elevators, walking through hallways, passing dozens of doors.

I walked in a clockwise motion until I came to large set of elevators. As the doors opened, dozens of people that I have known at various times throughout my life came pouring out. Some were close friends, some were acquaintances, some were people I knew of but didn't know.

The moment that everyone was off of the elevators, JoAnn's mom approached us with her arms outstretched. She smiled and thanked us for being there, then ushered us around the corner and through a door. Inside, the room was huge and many people milled about, mingled, or sat on the edge of the plush burgundy couches. It was a very calm, quiet, hushed atmosphere. Silence. Patience.

Then JoAnn's mom started speaking and she just said, "Thank you. We love you all like family. JoAnn is here, but you only have a moment."

Clara stepped aside and JoAnn entered the room, beaming. People ran up to her in small groups and we all just hugged. No words were necessary.

And then she was gone.

(JoAnn passed away on August 11, 2007)