Courtesy of NorthAmerican Van Lines, here is a checklist of things to do to prepare to move: Two-Three Weeks

* Fill and transfer prescriptions for family and pets. Pack them to travel with you. * Arrange for shipment of plants and pets. Get immunization records for pets. * Dispose of or give away all flammables.

One Week

* Defrost refrigerator and freezer, plus allow thorough air-drying to prevent mildew. Dispose of persishables. * Transfer checking and savings accounts. * Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and other power equipment. Drain water hoses. * Pack items to be carried in car, and label "Do Not Move." * Gather valuables from safe deposit box, drawers, jewelry cases as well as personal records. Pack them safely to take with you. * Send clothing, draperies, curtains, rugs out for cleaning and leave in wrapping. Take down curtain rods, shelves, and TV antenna. * Have car serviced for trip and have proof of insurance in car.

Moving Day

"Tragedy Strikes Local Family - Donald Jenkins was killed yesterday evening in a single car accident when vehicle he was driving hit a patch of ice and lost control striking a concrete bridge support. He is survived by his wife and three children.”

Can two sentences sum up life of Don Jenkins?

No way. You see I knew Don Jenkins and I bet you have friends just like him. A great guy, a loving husband and a caring father. Heck, you might be just like him yourself. Let me take a moment to share with you story behind story:

The accident occurred on a Friday evening in early December. I had just talked with Don earlier that afternoon and he was on top of world. So many things were going right for him, he joked, it just wasn’t fair for anyone else. He and his wife Marianne had been married for 24 years and she had given him three terrific kids. The oldest, Sarah, had announced at Thanksgiving that she was engaged and was going to be getting married following fall. Everyone liked her fiancé and they were already making plans for a lovely wedding with lots of friends and family.

Next in line was his son Stephen who was a senior in high school. Stephen was a well-rounded kid who did well in school and was busy applying to a number of colleges. He hoped to get accepted to an Ivy League school and his grades were strong enough that he might just get in.

Finally, there was Tony who was a sophomore in high school. Tony was a great basketball player, good enough to play varsity, and was excited as season was just getting under way. Don had not missed one of Tony’s games since he was in sixth grade.

For Don, well he was on a roll too. He had gotten a promotion over summer that gave him a significant pay raise. Enough for he and Marianne to buy a larger home in a nicer part of town.

When I talked to him earlier that afternoon, he was making plans to leave work around 5:00 PM, go home and change, then he and Marianne were going to their first Christmas party of holiday season. He was telling me he was looking out of his office window at a light snow falling.