The cake says it all: "Happy 50th Gary!" He looks so happy, even though he had just finished seven months of chemo. I was still living in Toronto, at that point!
Continuing on the birthday theme, we are at my Uncle Ben's "special" birthday in Toronto. Gary looks so happy here, enjoying the simchah!
Although the above photo is not on a birthday, it is full of candles - Chanukah ones. You can tell we're on the last day of Chanukah, here, because all nine candles are lit: one for each of the eight nights, plus a "helper" candle in the middle.
Likewise, Gary and I were together for eight years plus some extra months when we both relied on "helper candles" to stay lit and alive: friends, relatives, dogs we'd pass in Riverside Park, and of course doctors and medical folks. Gary died just a few days before Chanukah began in 2013. I was truly lucky to have enjoyed the brightness of Gary's life, even for a while...
Speaking of brightness and light, here are two pics from our trip to Israel in June, 2012, for niece Olivia's bat mitzvah. Above are Gary and Orna, his high school friend from Queens and now Tel Aviv.
From McDonald's golden arches to the more supernal, golden light of Jerusalem... here is Gary on our fascinating walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, thanks to my brother Steve & sister-in-law Carolyn (under the other hat). In the background, you can see the glimmering Dome of the Rock and Mount Scopus.
For everyone who visited our blog, the above photo is for you!
There's a birthday theme here, too, because it was taken during the "milestone" birthday party weekend of Gary's friend and former IBM manager, Edith!
(Great Barrington, Mass., September 2012)
Memories are made of these, Brian, still glowing bright. Gary's "dash" was full of candle light! Sending African sunshine your way. Stace
ReplyDeleteStacey, Gary and I loved your visit to NYC and dancing the Click Song with Miriam Makeba!
DeleteOh I love these photos so much! I think of Gary (and you) so often. Beautiful post, Brian, remembering a beautiful man. Hugs to you. xoxox
ReplyDeleteGary loved visiting you and Gordon on your farm. Your photo tribute to Gary's life was so beautiful: http://knatolee.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-tough-day.html Love to both of you.
DeleteThank you! Gary has been in our minds and on our hearts this spring and glorious summer. His absence still very hard to accept. His joie de vivre the example we want to follow and reflect. We do celebrate his birth-day!
ReplyDeleteI agree: following his joie-de-vivre is a beautiful way to remember his happy spirit.
DeleteYou didn't sign your name, dear mystery person. Would you mind saying who you are???
I think of Gary often - and always when covering significant distances a pied, especially on urban terrain. His birthday was a glorious day in Manhattan this year! Jane
ReplyDelete