Wednesday, January 17, 2024
I have written on many Tribute Walls and Legacy pages (including one for my husband 4 1/2 months ago), but somehow, this time is more difficult for me. Perhaps it is because my cousin Naomi was the first relative that I remember knowing aside from my own parents in London. Our mothers were first cousins; our grandmothers were sisters, so I knew we would always stay connected. Naomi was 9 years older and as a teenager, when she took me to the Honey Dew restaurant for lunch, told me about her Social Work career, and I got to see her first apartment, it was just so inspirational. I wanted to be a college graduate, have a career, be smart, articulate, and pretty just like her. The 9 years between us melted quickly when I married the love of my life at 20 and had our first child at 21. Our 6 kids were very close in age and we all had a lot of fun during our summer visits to Michigan (where my parents had moved) and then on to Canada. My husband and I lived in Colorado and it has long been my home. As the kids became young adults who married and had families of their own, our phone conversations revolved around how great it was to be a grandparent. I was just thrilled when she got a granddaughter of her own because she was spoiling the life out of mine! Naomi's generosity is well known, but it is actually her generosity of spirit, her genuine kindness, and caring ways that are most impressive.
Sadly, due to distance and circumstances, our once frequent visits began to be linked with "celebrations"; the last one being the 90th birthday party for my mother when another cousin brought Naomi to Michigan for the festivities. We always had a wonderful time, but just not enough of them. My husband and I had planned a trip to Canada for last June (2023), but he became too sick to travel. In spite of her own health issues, Naomi expressed concern on the phone as to how I was "managing" w/o Bob. They has such a special understanding and friendship for the almost 57 years of our marriage. Just 2 weeks ago when we last spoke, I was able to tell her that my oldest daughter and I would definitely be visiting early in February. Naomi signed off on that final conversation by saying: "Until then sweet girl" and we expressed our love for one another. There is no doubt that this "lady" was a blessing in the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. How blessed was I to have had her in my life for 77 years? May you rest in the eternal peace that you so deserve, my dearest cousin. Fondest love now and forever, Laurie XO
