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.