Sunday, October 6, 2013

quick trip to Florida

  afternoon walk to Lincoln Park

 rockin' out to Caspar Babypants.  E's in the blue stripe sweatshirt.

 
  another sweet treat from our amazing baker friend E.

  a quick trip to Florida to attend a funeral for Noni.  Here he has his baby (teddy bear from cousin August) wrapped up in blanket.
 
  I learned a lesson from Noni's passing - that we just can't take anyone for granted.  I wish I would have spent more time talking to her on the phone and more Skype calls and more than just one vacation to Florida.  E had so many good qualities.  Foremost in my mind is her goodness, sincerity, and loving nature. 
 
E was a very talented quilter.  We are so fortunate to have 2 of the quilts she made.  Our wedding present quilt was E's design - love beads from the 60's.  we have slept with this quilt on our bed for several years now.  She also did the applique and quilting on a quilt for E (J's design) with sweet bears eating honey.  He sleeps with this quilt on his bed.  Giving away a quilt is not easy after spending so much time working on them.  We will treasure these quilts. 
 
Her last email I received was a typical one she forwarded- subject was How to have God in your life.  she seemed to live this - excerpted from the email:  No matter how bad things are in your life (having to live with chronic pain), there is always something you can thank God for.  I appreciated how E was always faithful and a happy Christian.  I respect how she found comfort in her religion. 
 
She was a giver.  She gave all her energies to her family.  helping J and E with jobs and health concerns.  bringing D to live in her home.  She sewed wonderful Halloween costumes for her nephews to wear for many baby and toddler years.  E has received many fun little things from his Noni. the most recent was a little bus with Mickey Mouse and Goofy hanging out.  he has L and E to thank for Disney exposure.  :)  She always was thinking of what tee shirt or Christmas tree ornament he would enjoy and sending it out in a surprise package.
 
My favorite memories of E are these:
- learning how a sisters' relationship can be so strong, supportive, and important all the way through life. G and E's relationship was the way I want mine to be with my sisters all through our lives.
- E welcomed me to the family wholeheartedly.  I remember having good frank phone conversations with her about life, food, family, work, religion, and interests.
- I remember her laugh and her smile.  We always knew that she loved us.
 
We will miss E very much.  We are comforted to know that she is no longer in pain.  I think she will be watching over all of us like an angel until we meet again.

  E was a champ on the plane.

  It was great to meet and get to know more of my husband's side of the family.  Uncle B - Nana's brother putting rabbit ears behind E's head.  He was helpful to explain things to E- such as how Noni is up in heaven waiting for us to join her.


  The service was really lovely. 


  E was very interested to watch the angels (alter boys) help with the mass. 






 E teaching Nana how to walk like a crab.


 

  ahhhhhh, one hour on the beach.


 We met all the R family and J&E for lunch at Noni's favorite Cuban restaurant - The Columbia in Ybor City

  I've been obsessing over trying to make this Cuban black bean soup served over rice.  here J & E.

 E and K were so great to keep E laughing

  back in Seattle, we got lost in the corn maze with neighbor friends

  the boys wandered out into the pumpkin patch and sank into the mud.
 kettle corn



 
 

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