I was shocked to hear of Mrs. Burleigh’s passing. When Carol mentioned that I might write something here, many stories came to mind. Yet there wasn’t one story that would do her justice. Then I realized it wasn’t one story, it was a feeling…a place, not a tale. Dinners at the Burleigh house were more formal than I was used to but I was a regular at the kitchen benches. And it was lunch time when Mrs. Burleigh was queen. She reigned over a constant string of strays her children dragged home-no formal notice required. On rare occasions, she would get to sit at the end of the table. More often than not, there was one guest too many and after she’d whipped up another sandwich for the new arrival, she’d take her usual spot at the counter. She’d laugh, she’d scold but she always listened, truly enjoying the experience. She knew everything about her children and their friends. What teachers were best, the excitement of an upcoming game, worries over making speeches …and of course, who was the current crush. She was the heart of the house, right there on those kitchen benches. On behalf of all of your strays, Mrs. Burleigh—the Terris, Nancys, Andys, Mickeys, Dougs etc; etc;, I’d like to thank you. I’m sure we all felt lucky to have had you watching over us. Your laughter will be missed.