“Love releases life.
Love harmonizes life.
Love illuminates life.
Love never fails.”
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I think Mom and Dad are perfect examples of the power of love, a love that never failed. Together they created a beautiful life, filled with happiness and harmony. They spread that joy to their family, friends, and others they met. It was always apparent how much they adored and respected each other. They strove to stay healthy and fit for each other and for their family, giving us the ultimate gift of their long life, guidance, and wisdom over so many years. What a gift that was!
They loved being out in nature, from summers spent by majestic mountains, lakes, and oceans, to winter days spent with ski trips, winter hikes, and outdoor picnics. They reveled in the grand vistas of the New England mountains and coastline, the U.S. national parks, the Swiss Alps, and the tropical breezes, beaches, and beauty of Hawaii.
Exercise and fitness were great passions for them. Dad set a marvelous example for fitness well into his 90’s, always hoping to inspire others. I remember wonderful times together hiking woodland paths and mountain trails, and comforting talks with Mom as we walked together, by mountain streams or around the block from home. (Mom also certainly knew how to rock the look of a sun hat, blue jeans, bandanna, and hiking boots!) The words, “She walks in beauty”, always came to mind.
Mom and Dad showed such great love for all of us and for our extended family. They were themselves loving and caring to their siblings, parents, nieces, nephews, and neighbors. They provided us with idyllic childhoods filled with some of the finest educational opportunities available. We had lovely homes to grow up in, both in Cleveland and in Lexington, surrounded by cherished neighbors. We were able to spend summers at camps in spectacular outdoor settings. Mom and Dad discovered the wonderful A.M.C. camps of Cold River Camp and Echo Lake Camp, which brought all of us together to enjoy for so many years.
Mom was an amazing cook and homemaker, spending decades providing us with delicious meals. I recall fondly the memories of cozy family dinners and discussions around the kitchen table! Other favorite memories are of sitting in our kitchen in Lexington watching her bake pies and cakes, making for great conversations as well as invaluable cooking lessons.
Dad worked hard and was very successful in his field and in providing for his family. He always had time for family dinners, and evenings were free to help us with homework. Weekends were spent with active family activities. As we got older, some of us had the opportunity (and I say the honor) of working with him at one of his companies. When I was young, the souvenirs he would bring me from his business trips inspired me in later years to travel abroad to visit those places! (That miniature Eiffel Tower, that sweet Swiss Chalet music box..) I fondly recall times fishing together, and Dad taking my teenage friends and me skiing and to the movies. Patience indeed!
Both Mom and Dad showed the highest regard for education. Their curious minds made them life-long learners. Dad was certainly grateful for the knowledge he received at MIT, and he always wanted to “pay it forward” for his good fortune to have attended college there.
Music was another great passion for both of them. We all know how much Dad loved Beethoven. He especially inspired us and encouraged us in our own musical pursuits and interests.
Every day Dad exhibited his great love for America when he would put out his flag, salute it, and say “Thank God I live in America.” He was proud to have served this country in WWII, and took an active interest the rest of his life in veteran affairs.
Recently, Dad reminded me of how both he and Mom raised us with the adage, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. By that he meant that they had both tried hard to not criticize us or ever hurt our feelings, but instead to guide us lovingly with great patience and show us a better alternative. Another example of such strong parental love.
“Love releases life. Love harmonizes life. Love illuminates life. Love never fails.”
So today as we celebrate the love and lives of Bill and Helen, we will not say goodbye to them, we will just say, “Aloha”.
“Aloha!”
