On 11/26/97 My best friend Dr. Margo S. Prade was brutally shot and killed by her ex-husband. Like many who were close to her, the grief I still experience has no boundaries. The night before her funeral, my heart ached with a pain so profound, I thought I was dying. The brutality of the crime, shot 6 times, had a set of grief associated with the murder that reached far beyond my own comprehension. Nevertheless, it was time to say good-bye. I didn't know how to do that but I knew I had to. She would expect me to say good-bye, she was like that. High morals, values and decency--that was Dr. Margo Prade.

The following is the first of many, unintended pages of good-bye's to my dear friend. The writings are what I now call my private stock of bibliotherapy.

I never thought that the last laugh we shared together would be our last. I do not know who took your life away so swiftly and viciously, but you do. I am hurting so right now for your family, myself, and all who love you. I hurt that someone felt they needed to take you away from us like this. I want you to know, that your death will not go unavenged. If I have anything to do with solving this horrendous crime, I will try my damnedest to do so!

I know you will speak to us. I also know your spirit will continue to guide your two beautiful daughters in the direction you wanted them to go. I also know you were very, very happy my dear friend when you died so suddenly, and I try to take comfort in that. I pray your killer will be caught soon and punished as swiftly and viciously as he took your precious life. And I also know that heaven has a brand new angel!

I'll always remember the good times we've had. Twenty years is a long time. It will not be easy for me, and I know I'll never forget you. But I have years of wonderful, wonderful memories to cling to. We shared so much. I regret that I never told you "I love you." I guess I just took for granted you would always be around. But now you are gone. Rest assured, you will never be forgotten, nor will your children. We will take care of them for you.

Well, I could go on forever. There is so much I want to say to you, but I'm getting ready to start crying bad again and I know you would not want that. You're sweet that way. So, I guess I have to go. I don't want to, but I have to. I don't know why you had to leave us so soon, and it hurts like hell that you are gone so quickly! I love you. I'll miss you, and I'll never forget you!!
 

Prepared for the family and friends of Dr. Prade by former patients:
Martha E. Banks, Ph.D.
Rosalie J. Ackerman, Ph.D.
ABackans Diversified Computer Processing, Inc.
566 White Pond Drive
Suite C #178
Akron, OH  44320-1116

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Last Updated: 12/22/00