In the thousands of miles R and I travelled this year, a few thousand were spent visiting our friends Myra and Cyril while Cyril was undergoing treatment for cancer. He was diagnosed on August 20, 2006, Myra's 32nd birthday. For someone who absolutely feared needles, doctors, and hospitals, he quickly became a pro at helping the nurses find patent vessels to poke their needles into. He was a gentle patient, as he was a gentle man. He was a brave patient, as he was fearless adventurer. He passed away at the end of winter this year, on a clear blue sky day, a day perfect for flying as he used to say and Myra pointed out.
Cyril climbed mountains and flew planes. He dreamt hard and achieved much. A life packed with indelible memories especially for everyone who knew him. He was a winner. The type who made those he beat feel like they won.
And the boy above playing night chess in Union Square in New York City is Lorenzo PS, the second son of Myra and Cyril. And these are his brothers watching, and cheering him on, in this pick up game. This was a few weeks after Cyril passed away, when Myra decided to take his ashes and the kids on an extended trip to his favorite places in the States.
Enzo is good at chess, and Myra knew that he was up to the challenge. As we were watching the game, she turned to me and said, ' I want them to grow up making the most of all their experiences, life's too short'. You Go My. Cyril be very proud.
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ReplyDeleteThis pic brought a smile to my face, and yeah, that (heroic) trip was a good idea... No one will ever forget taking the subway, taxi and LIRR with his ashes hand-carried the whole time. C was with us all the way!