This page is dedicated to those who were dear to myself and to my husband Jim. Although they may no longer walk the earth, they live on in our hearts and in our memories...and we like to think they're in a better place.
My Father, George.
Although I loved him, life with my dad definitely wasn't easy. He
was a highschool teacher who often seemed to have a difficult
time leaving that persona at work where it belonged. He could be
nasty, critical and often tyrannical; but deep down, I know that
he loved us - he just had a hard time showing it. I think part of
the problem was his depression-era upbringing by a father whose
behaviour made my dad's seem easygoing in comparison. I also
think that many of his quirks were caused by the fact that he was
a severe Manic-Depressive--one whose illness was extremely
difficult to control, even with large amounts of the proper
medication. When dad passed away in 1993, it was quite
unexpected, as he had been hospitalised for what seemed to be his
typical bi-polar cycle. I was there the night he died and
although he was in a coma, I told him many of the things I'd
previously neglected to say--I hope he heard me. The one thing
I've learned from that experience, however, is that we should
take every available opportunity to show those we care about,
just how much we love them--because with life's unpredictability,
you never know if you'll have that chance again.
My Paternal
Grandmother, Mary.
I feel fortunate to have spent so much time with my Grandma. She
used to babysit me a lot during my childhood and was one of those
rare individuals who treated children with an almost complete
lack of condescension, yet at the same time, could be their
ultimate playmate. She often hand-made flannel night-gowns for
me, and after she became ill with cancer, started making them
much larger than needed, so I "could grow into them".
Although I didn't realise it at the time, she was probably
planning ahead, knowing she wouldn't be around to see me grow up.
I still have one of them, along with a few baby blankets she also
made and many letters she wrote me during times when she wasn't
well enough to come and visit--they are things that I will always
treasure.
My Uncle Frank.
Uncle Frank was my Dad's older brother, and over the
years I got the strong sense that my Father really looked up to
him. He passed away in the fall of 1998, and although he'd been
ill, it still came as quite a shock. He was much-loved by his
wife and children as well as the rest of the family, and the
heart-felt eulogies given by his family made his funeral very
touching. I will always have fond memories of how kind he was to
me when I was growing up. Even in recent years, the way he smiled
whenever he saw me, never ceased to make me feel special. I never
had the chance to tell him how much he meant to me. It is
something that I will have to live with, but I hope that in some
small way, he knew.
My Maternal
Grandfather, George.
Grandpa was a kind, caring and extremely patient man who passed
all of those qualities on to his only child--my wonderful mother.
Mom, although she'd probably disagree with me, has always been a
very strong woman who held our family together through a lot of
rough times. She has always selflessly provided us with a
stability and warmth that I don't think would have been possible
without the influence of this truly incredible man. He was always
so patient with us kids, keeping us entertained for hours with
his sense of humour. (And also putting up with my various
attempts to make him many a toupee to keep his poor head warm :-)
When I was hospitalised so often as a child, he would visit
almost every day, helping to keep things bearable. His dedication
to family and the love he so freely gave each and every one of us
will always live on.
My Maternal Grandmother,
Edna.
Originally, I hadn't included Grandma on this page...and
it wasn't because of any reason other than the fact that she died
when I was very young, and therefore, I barely remember her.
However, after further consideration, I came to realise that she
belongs here with the man who loved her, and dedicated himself to
looking after her in her last years. Also, she too helped to
shape my mother and make her the wonderful person that she is.
The stories of Grandma's "colourful" language, usually
applied whenever she happened to be losing at cards, are
legendary (or at least in my brother Randy's memory)...perhaps
that's where I get it from...but only on occasion, of course.
;o)
Jim's Maternal
Grandmother, Rose.
Just as Jim didn't have the opportunity
to have met some of the people who were dear to me, I also missed
out on meeting a few who helped shape his life. Jim's Baba fled
the Ukraine at the age of 16 due to the Russian occupation. All
alone, she and her 14-year-old sister had to leave everything and
everyone behind to reach the safety of Canada. Because she had
lost so much, so young, I believe that she compensated for that
by emphasising the importance of close family ties to her
children and grandchildren. They all hold her in high esteem,
speaking of her wistfully, reverently and fondly. I have heard
many stories of this remarkable woman, along with many tales of
the large volume of traditional Ukrainian food she could produce,
while her family consumed it with equal fervour. It seems, that
like my paternal Grandmother, she was always working. She was
truly loved and respected by her family and I only wish I could
have met her.
Jim's Uncle
Ed.
Uncle Ed, in a lot of ways, was like a second father to Jim.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet him either, I have
been regaled with many tales concerning his humour, his warmth
and his zest for living life to the fullest. He touched the lives
of those who knew him and forever left his mark on their hearts.
Much of the way Jim is, I'm sure, is a result of having spent so
much time with this wonderful man. As with Jim's Baba, I only
wish I could have known him.
Jim's Paternal Grandmother,
Louisa.
Jim's mom suffered a stroke when
he was 11, and during the lengthy period while she was
recuperating, he fondly remembers going to his Grandma's every
day after school. He would stay there for supper and would then
stay overnight. For Jim, the nurturing that she provided during
such a difficult time, was truly invaluable.
My Friend Jennifer.
Jennifer was about 6 years my junior and also had OI, although
she was affected much more severely than myself. What she lacked
in physical strength, however, she made up for in indomitable
spirit. Because she often came to me for advice, I think she may
have looked up to me in some ways. I, in a lot of ways, guess I
considered her to be rather like the little sister I'd never had.
When she passed away suddenly in 1996, it was truly a shock and
there are times when I still miss her. I like to think, however,
that wherever she is now, she's finally able to enjoy all of the
things that she couldn't while she was here on earth.
On to the rest of my site...
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This page has been in existence since March
1999, and
have come to pay their respects since Geocities
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This page was last updated ~March 2000~
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