I was with my beloved departed wife for nearly 40 years. Her death was quick, undiscovered leukemia. The doctors asked her is she was in pain. She said no. They looked at me like "This isn't normal." She was, from what you have written about your dear Liz, much like her. A critical thinker who stayed on top of all the things I was not willing to do or just plain lousy doing. A diligent person, a kind friend to all who needed anything. She produced magic at times, buying me a farm truck the day after I suggested we start saving up for one. She got me a beautiful Ford Ranger that never failed me...until she died. She made everything better in my world, and she touched the lives of hundreds here where we live. The day after she died (it was just before midnight on the 4th of July when he system gave out) a dairy farmer, "Koni", from the next town over stood at my gate, tears in his green eyes and assured me that we ALL had lost a very fine friend. I thanked him for his kindness. He was the first of over 250 neighbors and friends and strangers who came to honor her passing and offer me whatever I needed. Because of her. I, like you, sat on the porch drinking my coffee and enjoying the songs of the birds. I write to suggest that such women are an incredible blessing and gift in this life. My dear Carla has been gone for 6 years nearly, and not a day goes by without my breaking down in tears. The only thing I can offer is the insight that these tears are also a blessing she sends me to remind me of how much she still matters and how much I will always love her. So glad you have the boys and dogs. Peace.