Sunday, January 16, 2011

GG

A winter afternoon on Norway Lake aka Lake Pennesseewassee is quite peaceful except for the occasional whine of a snowmobile off in the distance. Elenka and I came here yesterday, because it was a place near and dear to my Aunt Gloria. If in conversation, Norway or South Paris, Maine came up, she'd smile and always want to talk about her times lakeside growing up and her visits as an adult. She passed peacefully and serenely away this past week in Florida, after 86 strong, productive, laughter-filled, giggling years. I have many memories of this woman, but two that I hold dearest are these. Because she taught for the Defense Department overseas at US Air Force bases in Germany, France and Japan, visits home at Christmas were nonexistent; however, she always sent us kids an advent calendar from across. I think I've had one in my home ever since. They are special to me. But really, the greatest gift she gave to me was a silver Kodak camera, when I was ten. I'll never forget that birthday gift... I've been taking photographs ever since. Be at Peace. Love you Aunt Gloria.


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18 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 16, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    So many pleasant memories of aunt Gloria.
    Costas

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  2. cieldequimperJanuary 16, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    A lovely tribute.
    And an unpronounceable name.

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  3. MichelleJanuary 16, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    You have some great memories of Aunt Gloria. How wonderful that she had such a positive affect on your life, even when she was so far away.

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  4. Sharon CreechJanuary 16, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    What a touching tribute to Aunt Gloria. That Kodak camera and those advent calendars--they say so much about her, don't they?

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  5. Regina KJanuary 16, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Wonderful tribute. Aunt Gloria would be so touched that you have those memories of her.

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  6. SRQJanuary 16, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Terrific gift from your aunt which had a lasting impact. Who would have thought that decades later you'd be sharing photos with the world on something called the internet? You never know how a gift will impact someone's life. May she rest in peace.

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  7. camJanuary 16, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Peaceful Travels, Aunt Gloria.

    Florida Checks In

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  8. 黄清华 Wong Ching WahJanuary 16, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Glad to know when it all began !
    God bless Aunt Gloria.

    Best wishes
    Wong

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  9. RandyJanuary 16, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    What a wonderful memory. Sound like you had a wonderful muse. I love this photo too.

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  10. ElenkaJanuary 16, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Will miss you, Aunt Gloria. This woman actually lived in a 'museum'. It was always an adventure visiting her. Rest in peace.

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  11. SharonJanuary 16, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Beautiful photo and beautiful tribute!

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  12. RedPatJanuary 16, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Your trip was a wonderful way to honour your aunt!

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  13. Cezar and LéiaJanuary 16, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    Cold and beautiful pictures in this and previous posts! Thanks for sharing!
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  14. JackJanuary 16, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Your visit to a place that mattered to her, taking a photo in tribute to her, and telling her story on your blog are all wonderful memorials to your beloved aunt.

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  15. VirginiaJanuary 16, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    What wonderful memories. Aunt Gloria lives on in your heart. I think she sounded like a grand lady!

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  16. Ming the MercilessJanuary 17, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    My deepest condolences for your loss.

    The photo is absolutely beautiful but also sad, especially with the commentary that came under it.

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  17. ThérèseJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    I am sure Aunt Gloria will be dearly reminded every year with an Advent Calendar near you, a visit once in a while to Norway Lake and clicks, with or without sound, on your camera...

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  18. dianasfaria.comJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    what a sweet ode to your aunt Gloria. May she rest in peace.

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