"In Loving Memory"

Of Those That Touched Our Lives

These pages wouldn't be complete without a remembrance of those that have gone on before us. They helped shape our lives by being an integral part of it while they were with us. Our parents and grandparents taught us many things in our lives.. But the paramount gift they bestowed upon us, was simply their love. This one gift has so many ramifications, it is hard to list them all.. From the comfort of knowing we were in a protected environment while growing up, to a healthy self esteem, to learning right from wrong. These were all lessons taught through the good times and the tough times with the love and great patience only a parent can exhibit.. So, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Pop-Pop, aunts and uncles, Barb and I remember you and thank you for your sacrifices on our behalf, and for giving us the greatest gift of all..... your love.

One may expect such a tribute to our relatives, but during the course of a lifetime, there are others that have touched our lives.. These people had no stake in our families and were not bound by "blood" toward any responsibilities. These were "Forever Friends", those special people that impact your life forever, by being there for you when no one else could be, or would be.

Jillian, 1939 - 1954
I was a latch-key kid, my parents having separated when I was four. Mom worked long, hard hours to provide for my brother and I, so neighborhood friends became important. There were eight or nine boys and girls my age, and then there was Jillian. Five years my senior, she didn't associate with her peers much, but was rather inseparable from her kid brother and spent her time watching him and the rest of us neighborhood rug rats. She taught me to play.. Sounds funny, doesn't it, having to be taught how to play. But Jill had command of all the sidewalk games of the day, hop-scotch, jump-rope, kick-the-can, tag, hide-and-go-seek, stoop ball, stickball and marbles. She was the best referee when one was needed. She didn't just teach me to play, but how to lose with grace while still enjoying the game. Jill was my first crush, my first love, my first kiss.. and my first heartache.. After all these years, the tragedy of her death hurts me still.. My childhood ended the day she died. I remember you Jill, and the lessons you so willingly taught me are still bearing fruit. My promise to you is still intact. Rest in peace, sweet angel that you were.... and in my heart, will always be.

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