Tuesday, November 27, 2007

In remembrance of a special lady...


She was about as special as they come. A more kind and gentle soul you could not find. Oh, that smile...like the Cheshire cat, she always had a wonderfully beautiful grin showing her pearly whites.







And how fitting, seeing as how she was the quintessential "cat lady" - always picking up strays. Imagine her surprise when the last one, Blue, bonded to her husband more than she.

When they moved from beautiful Santa Barbara to live in a nursing home near family in Colorado - they wouldn't go unless Blue could come with. And so he did.




There, Blue kept vigil over my uncle Charles until he passed away peacefully in January of 2006. Today I learned that Norma, his wife of many years and one of my most favorite people in the world passed away yesterday.





Our special bond was formed partly because we shared a common medical issue - bad hips! She had had her hips replaced more than once, and from her experiences I learned a lot about how to deal with my own challenges. She taught me the importance of attitude. No matter how much pain she was in, she never showed it. She always kept a positive attitude, and never complained about her mis-fortune. She was an amazing role model - always thankful for the small gifts she did have in life.

The other thing she passed to me is my love of swimming. She used to swim every day! Like her, I love the way I feel in the water. Gravity can't impact you in water the way it does on land. In water I feel strong. In water I forget about the pain I feel everyday. In water, I am at home. Norma taught me that. I remember being fairly young (maybe 12) and visiting them. She took me to her pool every day with her while I was there. I hadn't realized what a gift she gave me in turning me on to the water!

Norma, you were one amazing and fantastic lady. Thank you for everything you gave me. I feel very fortunate that we had the times we did even though I was unable to see you this past year. I have been blessed, and am a better person because I knew you. I will never forget, and will always love, you!

4 comments:

Gigi said...

What a very special remembrance of your Aunt Norma. She was special and especially for you. Thank your for doing this for yourself and for your family.

Love, Gigi (your mom)

Nonna said...

Thanks mom! Glad you saw it...It felt good to write it!

Jon said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences.

Jon

Iguana Banana said...

I am so very sorry for your loss - it sounds like she was a wonderful person and a great connection in your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ahna