I had admired Dr. Oates only from afar when I came on the Board of the Oates Institute in l994. I have received countless benefits from my service on the Board (which included a turbulent year as Chair), but the greatest reward has come from the people I have gotten to know and with whom I have experienced much pleasure in working.

Foremost among these blessings was the opportunity to get to know and appreciate Dr. Oates "up close and personal." In the last five years of his life I felt honored and privileged to call him "friend." I proudly bragged that I was his second favorite chauffeur. There were probably a number of folks vying for that honor but there was no contest for his favorite - Pauline, of course. He never missed an opportunity to mention her driving ability, along with many other attributes we all have come to know. I would go to his home about 6:30 AM for those 7:00 AM Board Meetings. Pauline would be watching for me and would walk with him (sometimes helping unobtrusively) to the car. I cannot remember many of our conversations (to my sorrow), but I know that in addition to problems confronting the Institute (anyone connected with a non-profit organization knows what they generally concern) they covered many other things. Even at that early hour he was ready for conversation on a deeper level. I loved his sense of humor and his gift for putting our problems into perspective. The person was always more important than whatever good or harm they could do us. I learned much from him.

Should one day I accidentally head for his home in the early morning darkness of these winter mornings, certainly it must be that I am picturing him coming through the garage on Pauline's arm, cane in hand, beret in place, ready with a hearty "Good morning, Elaine, and how are you?" I'm missing you, Dr. Oates, but thanking God for you as I remember.