A gift of friendship

Mary Beth Dillon, a resident at the Adventist Medical Health Center Tehachapi, recently passed away but her memory will never leave us. Mary's roommate, June Schwark said she looks at Mary's passing as a celebration and homecoming. Says Schwark, "I miss Mary but I am happy for her because she is no longer in pain."

Long time roommates, the girls created beautiful memories together. One of their favorite activities was their love for painting. Through a program sponsored by the Arts Council of Kern, the girls painted every week. Mary's quick wit always brought a twinkle to her eyes and made everyone smile. The painting sessions were never boring. Mary always said, "I love to paint because it's exciting. You can see things come alive."

Before Mary Beth passed away she was working on a set of barn pictures. She requested that if she left before they were finished that her friend June complete them. June did just that. The paintings remain a tribute to a beautiful friendship. Some people make life better just by being here. Mary Beth was one of those people.

June says, "By the way Mary, I'm wearing the smile you gave me."