One of the staff members I inherited is an employee who is 83-years-old. When I heard about Miss Eunice I was sure that it would be a bad situation and wondered how was I going to let her go. The surprising thing is, after a rough start on my first day, I have actually learned a lot from the old gal.

In fact, I look forward to the days she will be there. Last week we even started to bond. When I asked for her advice on some merchandise changes I could tell that she appreciated the fact that I asked for her input. We also talked about her granddaughter who was due to deliver Miss Eunice's first great- grandson any day.

On Wednesday Miss Eunice informed me that the baby was on the way. I asked her if she wanted to leave early and she said "no" that she would join the family at the hospital later in the day.

On Thursday morning Miss Eunice was glowing with excitement as she described her first look at her beautiful new great-grandson. She said it was the most beautiful baby boy she had ever seen.

Miss Eunice was going to be off work for the next four days because her daughter was coming from "up North" to see the new baby. So I was a little surprised when she called to tell me that she would not be back at work on Tuesday.

Then came the pause....... "Our baby died" she said.

I was stunned. All I could say was "Eunice, I am so sorry." After we hung up all I could do is cry for her loss. I can picture her so excited when she talked about his birth.

Even in Mayberry bad things happen.