Morgan is the girl I introduced you to in last week's blog (see "Meet Morgan Gallegos"). It was an emotional ceremony attended by many members of the Gallegos and NorthBay family, along with friends and several local dignitaries and VIPs.

Morgan's life had special meaning. And though her passing came decades too soon, it has special meaning, too. As an organ donor, she lives on in her gifts of life and in our memory. In addition, an endowment now bears her name. It will be used to continue to save lives by enhancing our trauma program. Please consider donating today. Contact me or go to the NorthBay Healthcare Foundation on our website, NorthBay.org.

Then on Wednesday I will attend a memorial service for Sgt. Gary O'Daniel, who was a fixture for me at work. He would do anything I asked and he always looked out for me. I don't think Gary ever met a stranger. I was very glad when our relationship reached the point when he could just sit down in my office and talk to me while I worked.

Recently, I read this from a co-worker: "In the hospital, a few weeks before his death, every time a visitor from work would come by, Gary's eyes would light up with the thought of spending a few moments with his extended NorthBay family. After the visitor left, tears would well up in his eyes and he would state the exact same thing every single time ... "I didn't know they liked me."

It's a bit heartbreaking that Gary didn't fully recognize how well he was liked, how much we appreciated him. I wish I had taken the time to tell him. One of the things I learned about him was the great love he had for his late wife, Christel. He was never the same after her death. I hope somewhere their spirits are reunited.

So, Gary, my apologies for not speaking the words while you were here, but I admired and respected you a great deal. I valued our talks and working relationship. I hope you have found some peace, and I salute you. Rest in peace, my friend.