Life, and Death

February 24 and 25 were big days in our family, though Deven wouldn't have even noticed.
2/24, his Naana (my dad) turned 63. Happy birthday, Dad!
- The same day, Deven gained a 2nd cousin (as-yet-unnamed, in the photo), in Toronto. 6 lbs, 10 oz, born @ home. Congrats to proud Papa Rahul/Shyamal, and new Mom Sara.


2/25, his Naana-Jock (my uncle) turned 68. Happy birthday Uncle Jock!
- The same day, an influential woman in my life passed away. Pat Stabler was the mother of 2 childhood friends, Stacy - 1 year my senior, and Tricia, 1 year my junior. They were a farm family, a major part of the Montgomery County, MD agricultural and 4-H community - and Mrs. Stabler (as I knew her) was the über-mom who did most things right. My sister and I raised beef steers on their farm; learning responsibility and hard work (and I, how to cajole Heather). Mrs. Stabler and my mom taught me how to sew, at spring-break 4-H club sewing schools.
I remember random things about Mrs. Stabler - like how she'd decorate the piano in their formal living room for Christmas - with white angel-hair, little figurines, and twinkle-lights; how their house almost caught on fire once from the basement; how she helped Stacy (or was it Tricia?) pen a speech called "Bats in the Belfry" about their home; her slightly-twangy accent; or how she looked at her 50th birthday, when I bought her the "Dictionary of Cultural Literacy" and learned that she was called "Patsy" as a girl; the big circle-wood swing that would take us miles above the earth (so it seemed); the recipie she gave me for yummy-but-unhealthy mashed potatoes (with loads of butter & sour cream); and how contented she looked at Tricia's wedding.
I haven't spoken to Tricia or Stacy in years, though my parents have - and I know Tricia has a daughter about Deven's age now. I knew Mrs. Stabler was ailing - and can only imagine the grief that Stacy & Tricia (& their dad) must feel.

Mrs. Stabler, Rest in peace.