Saturday, April 16, 2022
I have many fond memories of Marion (and Bob), accrued from 35 years of knowing each other;
Most of these were during the time that Rob and I were married, but she and I also shared
lovely experiences in the years since.
The following particular memory brings a smile to my face: One time, while out shopping
together, we found a sweater that I loved, that she offered to buy for me. When she somehow
learned that the store was having a sale in a few days, she declared, “now, let’s just slip this
behind these other items where no one can find it” The plan was for us to come back to
purchase it on sale day—which we did. Marion was generous as can be, but not one to pay full
price! In the context of someone who was so deeply kind, it was endearing to glimpse this
slightly mischievous side of Marion. It reminded me of another story she recounted in one of
our visits at Sunrise…
When Marion moved to Sunrise in CT, she was already struggling with memory loss. I found
that I could best engage her, by conversing with her about her past. Sometime we’d hold
hands, as she responded to my questions about her earlier life. I loved hearing about her youth,
including the story of her days as a counselor in girl scout camp; she spoke of how her Dad
smuggled cigarettes to her, which she tucked into her bloomers, and smoked behind the bunk.
Marion described herself as a “leader”, and said that as a teen, she would watch over her
friends if they got drunk, and tuck them into bed. Clearly, her nurturant nature was evident
even back then.
Sometimes when I’d arrive at Sunrise she’d meet me downstairs with her walker, offering me a
sandwich which she’d saved for me. So thoughtful! One time, when she saw me coming, she
declared to the Aid, “There’s my friend.”
Always, when I would leave I would say, “I love your Marion” to which she’d reply, “I love you
more.”
Marion was an absolutely wonderful mother-in-law to me. While her health was failing at
Sunrise, she never lost her essential kindness. I think we both cherished our time together. I
loved Marion very much, and I really miss her.
