Ramblings of a mourning cousin dealing with the loss of my cousin Stephanie Frew.

Just words and thoughts - words of remembrances....

Words replace tears; no, the tears still come. 

Seeing her beauty radiate from inside as well as out.

Memories of love between a husband and wife few ever, EVER will experience. A gentleman who became a beloved part of our family.

  Giving of her time, visiting hospitals with her dog, Ranger, seeing the joy just petting a dog can bring to a patient because she knew what it was like to be in a hospital bed.

Watching Ranger, the English Setter, try to understand where his Mom is now.

 Daily telephone calls that are now silenced.

Family trying to be brave for each other, figuring we're more fragile than we are.

Hoping there is The Other Side and a big family reunion is happening at this moment.

Hoping they can tell us somehow they're ok.

Remembering the beauty, closeness of a big Greek family and all the drama that goes with it, her Mom's pumpkin bread and wonderful family stuffing none of us could quite copy, her making corned beef and cabbage each St. Paddy's Day, even though we're not Irish but Greek, telephoning each other when we made holiday bread to make sure we did it right. Laughing when it didn't!

Comparing and suggesting books to read and sharing that love of reading with others.

Knowing her dear friends who were more than friends, who were her sentries against unnecessary interference, who stood by her every step in good times and pain. No one could ask for better ladies to be your friends.

Trying to turn the clock back and stop the pain.

Trying to understand why.

Remembering she loved Henri's Cinnamon Buns and my coconut macaroons.

Loving her cuz (me) through thick and thin - the 'sick puppy books' (thrillers) we laughed not believing we really read books so intense!

My being godmother to Ranger - naming him in honor of Ranger Mancuso, from Stephanie Plum books.

Laughing about Grandma Mazur.

Sighing over The Sidewalk Artist.

Liking her cuz's writing, whether she really did or not. Being kind enough not to laugh when she read my work. Even though I'd be rolling on the floor laughing at my 'having the Muse' antics!

She supported everyone's dreams. Always.

Giving strength when there was barely strength left. Self-less, dying as she lived - with dignity and surrounded by love.

May her Memory be Eternal.

I love my cousin always - I expect you to be in the receiving line when I go toward the Light one day...showing me where all the great books are stashed.

Always seeing the lovely lady who left husband, (the Prince who stayed by his lady beyond the end), brother, sister-in-law, beloved niece and nephew, dog, aunt, uncle, cousins...all too very soon.

I love you.

becka

ellen george