That night, Marion invited Richie and his family along with Joanie. Tonight Marion made beef stew, carrots, apples, and green beans. Ever since Howard has passed away, they didn't eat potatoes often.

"Mom, you said you had something to share with us," Richie said as he began to cut his meat.

"Yes, I do have something. That's why you're here tonight."

"You can go ahead and share," Lori Beth said.

So Marion did.

"Do you and Joanie remember me telling you about Diane?" Marion asked.

"Not really. What makes you ask that question?" Richie asked.

"Who the heck is Diane?" Lori Beth asked.

Lori Beth wasn't understanding where this subject came from, so no wonder she was confused.

"Diane is a friend of Mom's," Joanie answered.

Even Joanie didn't remember hearing about Diane, but she answered the question anyway.

"Oh," was all Lori Beth said.

"Where does Diane live, Mom?"

"She recently moved to Colorado, Richard. She loves it there," Marion answered.

"That's good."

"You and Joanie met Diane when you were younger, so you don't remember her," Marion said.

"How young were Richie and I when we met Diane?"

"About three or four. She loved you both. She is now your godmother."

All Joanie and Richie could do at the moment was nod their heads. Then Lori Beth decided to ask another question.

"So Diane gets updates about Joanie and Richie?"

"Of course. I didn't tell her every little detail about you and Richie, Joanie, but I figured it was a good idea for her to come out and visit us in Milwaukee."

"When did she say she would be able to come?" Joanie asked.

"She doesn't know, but would let me know."

"Are you letting her stay here?"

"Of course, Richard. There's plenty of room here for her to stay."

"Did Dad like her?" Richie asked.

"He did. I'm sure if he's still alive today, he would let Diane stay here."

"Maybe the kids and I can have the chance to meet Diane."

"That's the plan, Lori Beth. Besides, I just told her you have your own family now, Richard."

"That's nice, Mom."

"At least this gives you both a chance to catch up."

"That's why I invited her to come out."

"Cool. You can tell Diane Joanie and I are certainly looking forward to meeting her."

"I plan to do just that."

"Maybe she could have a chance to meet Chachi and Fonzie," Joanie added.

"We'll see. What will the Fonz do if he saw an old woman like Diane? And Fonzie has a family of his own now, so there isn't any way he could ask Diane out for a date. He's very happy with Tiffany."

Lori Beth and Joanie nodded their heads. They were agreeing with him.

"We haven't met any of your other friends recently, Mom. I guess Diane is one of them?"

"Of course she is, Richard. We have a history of this friendship ever since we were in high school."

"Did Dad know her back then?"

"No, Joanie. He met her on our freshmen year in college. At first Howard didn't like her on their first meeting, but they became friends later on."

"That's too bad Dad isn't here to see your friend, Mom," Joanie replied.

"I know, dear, but life has moved on quickly it makes me feel lonely sometimes."

Marion had a sad voice when she spoke about Howard. They had a good life together, and even Lori Beth liked that.

"So did she ask about Dad at all when you were last on the phone?"

"Not at all, Richard. She felt bad for us when your father passed away."

Then several minutes passed, and then Richie and his family stood up to put their dishes in the sink.

"We'd better go, Richie. It's a school night."

"You're right, Lori Beth. Mom, we're leaving now. We'll see you again soon. You take good care of Mom, Joanie."

"I will."