A few photos

post by Kathleen

Haiku from November 2009

my grandma knows things
that I hope some day to know;
I'll need more decades

Lizzy love

While Lizzy lived in the Pacific Northwest, I got to know her well on my visits here every summer growing up. She was witty, fierce and fearless, tactful and blunt, adventurous and elegant. She drew people like a magnet and, as I've found out this week, made everyone feel like a favorite. Utterly wise, Lizzy knew how to whiten any sock, grow any plant, float any river and dissipate any worries. She taught me how to swim, how to make an ocean buoy into a tree swing, how to pan for gold and how to make fresh blackberry cobbler from scratch. Lizzy knew what to say in every instance, and how to keep everyone in the loop; I'll strive to tell a story like she did.

There are so many good things to say about Lizzy. I have heard so many just recently. And I'd like to repeat some of the ones I love: Lizzy was a fighter. She knew how to have fun. She kept people in line. Lizzy was honest, real and always herself. She wanted us to be our best selves. Lizzy wouldn't let you get away with nonsense. She could always get you with a smile. She had a mischievous side. Lizzy knew how to give a good wink, and she winked a lot.

My mom mentioned a phrase once that I think applies well to Lizzy: 'beauty in motion.' Lizzy was always on the move, always on her way to some adventure–and she tried to get all of us to go with her. We're so lucky for that! And now, Lizzy, I think we'd all to well to carry your spirit with us.

Lizzy, we love you so much, and we will always feel grateful to have known you.

-- post by Leah

Summer 2009 on the Peshastin

Sno, Jute, Liz, Chad and Blake



- post by Bob Cleveland

This was my grandmother.

This was my grandmother.

She was energetic, bounding

She laid in the garden in summertime

Soaked up the sun

Fell in love with roses and raspberries

And forgave them both their thorns.

She laughed loud and boldly

Climbed trees to hang ropes

Told me to swing, swing

Until I plain forgot the feeling of ground

She noticed what people wanted

She gave them just the same

Everything she had was for giving

Up to and including her heart.

She took care of me when I was sick

Made me soup, drew baths

Threw me out in the sunshine

Because she knew it wouldn't kill me.

She spread joy like wildflowers

Sprawl across a garden, unbidden

She planted, and she planted, and she planted

Didn't care if some got trampled

Or some got picked

There was always more to offer.

She was beautiful.

When I was little,

She would throw back her head

And she would laugh

And she would proclaim, "You are a riot!"

And in retrospect I understand this to mean

"Kid, you are ridiculous!"

But at the time, it made me queen of my universe

The bubble of air in her red Jimmy

The etch-a-sketch on her keychain my crown

I can hear her voice, her laugh

I love them both very much

I can feel her hugging me Thanksgiving night

I can see the flowers she brought me

And when I water them, which I will

I'll keep in mind that she wouldn't want us crying

She would yell at us now to see

(And I can hear her doing it tonight)

The tears, the heartache

They had no place in her life

She always said to keep going

She would say it to us now

Stop crying, stop mourning

My death barely stung

But I'll also keep in mind

That she'd forgive us all the crying.

She'd think we're being silly

But love us all the same.

--post by Jennifer Marsh

Important in life

I believe when an important person in one’s life passes on, it is an important time to reflect on what really is important in life. In American society we rush from this appointment to another, many strive to climb the corporate ladder, but ultimately, when ones arrives at the age where one looks back and reflects on what is really important in life nobody and I mean nobody in their right mind is going to reflect with any sense of emotion about the many corporate meetings they were in or the one great sale they made. Life is made, for me at least, of the small unassuming things in life such as enjoying time with ones nieces and nephews, children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, parents and of course friends. When one makes these a priority one really has ones priorities straight. Liz was one who had her life’s priorities straight. As I look at the world with all the problems it is heartwarming to be able to look at those individuals, such as Liz, who put a smile on the world and are such an opposing force against the negativity we read in the headlines of our newspapers. Her life confirmed LIFE. She was kind, generous, and honest, nobody would say she was not FUN, She was loving, adventurous, thoughtful, passionate, clever and intelligent. The list goes on and on.

I would like to like to compliment her by way of her two sons, Kurt and Todd, and to give you an example that underscores what I just said. Seven years ago my sister, Kathleen, held a 40th birthday party for my brother-in-law, Mario. Sno, Liz, Kurt and Todd attended along with some of their family members. Another person who attended was a friend of my sister, who brought her daughter, who was suffering from cerebral palsy. I sat and watched as Todd and Kurt were introduced to this young woman who had cerebral palsy. As they were introduced they both decided she needed a hug and both said, “You look like you could use a hug.” They both hugged her and as they did this young woman’s face lit up. Her sons did not do this because of their DNA. They watched their mother and learned what really is important in life - kindness, gentleness and consideration of others. I often think of her son’s actions. Thank you Liz for setting such a good example an example that will last with me for the rest of my life.

--post by Doug Stevens

Photos

post by Kathleen