My curiosity is peaked, Al, what do you have in mind? asked Tina.

If you were going to write your own obituary, what would you want it to say?

Thats a bit dark, Al, said Shane looking back at her over the top of her sunglasses.

Just gives a little insighthopes and dreams kind of stuff, Alice responded. You gotta know all the big name people already have their obituaries written at newspaper offices around the country, and thats because theres already a history to talk about. If you dont know what you want to achieve, how will you go about achieving it?

It doesnt have to be dark, the whole obituary thing. It can be a celebration of accomplishments, Tina offered.

Exactly, Alice agreed. Good way to frame it Tina.

So I guess you get to start, then Alice? Tina requested.

Sure, I guess she paused before continuing. Alice Pieszecki died today after a short illness. She was 96 years old. Her list of accomplishments was long and distinguished, but her most notable achievements were as an editor and writer. Her Pulitzer prize winning expose on sweatshop labor in Southeast Asia was a turning point in the fight for human rights around the world. She leaves to mourn her husbandor wifeof 52 years and their two children, eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as numerous friends to whom she meant the world.

I didnt know you had an interest in anything more than the latest top 10 list, Alice, said Dana quietly.

Yeah, well, we all want to accomplish something significant. Youve already managed to do that with this Human Rights Campaign recognition already under your belt Alice responded.

Thanks, Alice, Dana responded. And you do mean the world to me you know.

Alice felt the burden of their earlier awkward conversation lift from her shoulders.

Everyone in the van felt the mood change as the tension between Dana and Alice released itself. Tina thought she should continue by extending her own olive branch.

Ill take a crack at this. Tina started.

Tina Kennard passed to her final reward this morning at the age of 87 years. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, but first and foremost loving wife to her partner of 61 years, Bette Porter. Her accomplishments included a career as a development executive, but her true passion was her family and her interest in social causes. She left the entertainment industry to start a family, but it is when she found the balance between her family and her career, that she truly found happiness.

Im trying to find the balance, T, Bette said from the back seat.

I know you are babe. Youve got me for another 54 years at least, so well find it together.

The last of the tension melted away and the remainder of the trip was spent in silence as each woman contemplated what her future might bring.