To The Family of Lineth Lenora Sylvester
Today I will lay this flower in memory of my dear friend, my confidant and comadoo , Lineth Lenora Joseph Sylvester; a vibrant, straightforward, talented and beautiful woman.
Just as the Bird of Paradise, hers and my daughter's favorite plant, stands erect , firm and oh so colorful, so was the life and spirit of my dear friend who had a lovely garden.
Lineth , along with her husband Larry are my daughter Khadija's godparents, true to its meaning and responsibilities. Lineth made most of her dresses especially for church, school skirts, and other outfits right through high school, saw to it that she attended church, was confirmed and participated in church activities.
This is just a sprinkling of her many talents as she was a designer and
seamstress , who produced gorgeous clothing, not just for herself , her daughter and granddaughter , but many others , including me. This was in addition to draperies, valances and tablecloths for her home and whatever the church needed for its altar ; all done with love. Larry had his hand in that too as he would have to put up the rods and prepare the frame for the valances.
Lineth's culinary skills led to her pulling up recou , a form of cilantro from my yard ,which I thought was weed , using it for her Spanish Rice and other tasty dishes which she did so well. Birthdays, holidays and other special occasions wouldn't be the same without Lineth's ,made from scratch , Vienna and other cakes and tarts ; even the cake she made once , forgetting an ingredient halfway through its baking ,as we laughed about it ,while eating it and sipping tea.
The Christmas Holidays were festive as she got us involved in her tree decorating , wreaths everywhere and an entire town/city displayed with
houses, churches, trees, lights, and many other ornaments collected over the years as she and the family lived overseas. This was in addition to celebrating her birthday and their wedding anniversary.
What a phenomenal woman, multitalented and gentle by nature, just
as the profession she chose; one of giving and caring ,as a nurse , though she had a short term in teaching on the elementary level.
She loved children and after having LarryJr. , Laverne and Lecaldo,
her heart was really touched with her grands as she traveled to be with them or as they did during the summer coming here to be with her and Larry , enjoying the beach, the outings and her delicious meals .Their moving to Florida separated us from being the houses around the corner from each other ,giving and sharing, but didn't separate the love
we shared for and with each other. Constant phone calls, pictures of their home and decorations made, family updates, and seeing each other in Maryland at times were all heartwarming.
Getting the best healthcare was a major priority as family and friends were there to assist. After years of great progress and beautiful times, came sad news and hope for brighter days .
As we spoke , prayed and asked for the Almighty's blessings, we knew that it was all up to him.
To my dear friend Larry and your beautiful children and grandchildren, along with your son-in- law, other relatives and friends , I ask that as time goes by, may your sadness lessen and only beautiful memories remain in your heart.
Because The Angels Came
No more grief or sorrow ,
No more suffering or pain,
Now there's everlasting peace
Because the angels came.
Excerpts from H. McCarty
Into the arms of the Almighty,
rest on my dear friend Lineth