A Tribute | Saying Goodbye to Norman

Today my family and I said goodbye to my Uncle Norman.  He lived an incredible, long and happy life and fought to the end.  He was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a grandfather , a great uncle and a friend.  Norman was one of the most interesting people I know - very intelligent, great sense of humor and he cared deeply about everyone he knew.  Today the room was packed full of friends & family who he touched throughout his 82 years of life.  My Uncle Norman was someone who, when I was younger, I always took for granted.  He was an adult and I was a kid.  Enough said.  I remember him poking fun at me from time to time, especially when I started using the word "awesome" in every sentence.  As I got older, I realized how special he was.   Not only that, but he was the last remaining sibling from my Grandmother Sylvia's side of the family.  Little by little, I started talking to him about our family history, and finally, when I moved back to NYC in 2006, I decided I was going to pick up a camera and get everything on tape.  He took my Mother and I around Astoria, showing us where he, my Grandmother, and my 2 other Great Aunts, grew up, went to school & where my Great Grandfather's general store used to be.  I'm so grateful for that time we got to spend together over the last few years, and so glad I finally got to know him as an adult.  Today was a very sad day and he will be missed.

This is a photo of Uncle Norman with is wife of over 50 years, Selma, in their living room.  I love this portrait, but him and Selma always hated it.  He said he looked too old, but I'll cherish it forever.

Comments

[Arnie]

Lindsay -- You really nailed it -- you knew my Dad so well and he loved you just as he always loved the family...the questionable portrait photograph notwithstanding! We were all so lucky to have him and we're all still lucky to have each other as we preserve his memory and build new ones. -- Love, Arnie

[Todd Nichols]

So glad you were able to talk to him about your family history! You just inspired me to do the same with my grandmother!

[vizcara]

This is one of the most true and heart warming blog post I have come across... I feel very much in your shoes as I feel much the same way of my "Great Uncle" who is turning 80 this may. He is still with us but I know his time is coming soon. I looked up to him more than my own father.. He is a man with incredible patients and wisdom. He did not even finish high school but he was a top engineer at Lockhead Martin. There is nothing he can not figure out. I am currently documenting him and his life as best I can. The talks I have with him can not be measured in their value. We are planning on going to his fathers place of work the "Silver Mines" of Virginia City in Nevada.. Thank you for this story.. I feel for you loss but I am sure he is watching you with joy and pride.. :)