Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Dear Porters,
My heart goes out to all of you. Madeleine was my favorite aunt. And she was my mother's favorite aunt as well. The fact that she was almost the same age as my mother was something the two of them loved to tease about. I learned some of my most important life lessons from Madeleine (and George Sr.). Madeleine and George used every spare moment and dollar they had to travel the world. He was a teacher so they weren’t rich in that sense. In their retirement, they lived in a small home with rooms lined in bookshelves. Those shelves were filled with photo albums of their travels around the world. I spent some of my favorite vacations visiting them in Tucson on my own, and perusing each and every photo album. Madeleine liked to say, “inside those albums is my mansion”. It made perfect sense. Together they ignited the passion I have for travel, and taught me the value of experiences over possessions. Just imagine what Egypt was like when they were there. Or Venice. Or any of the hundreds of places they visited and cultures they came to know.
Madeleine was a very elegant woman with impeccable manners. She was an incredible entertainer and host who made everyone feel special, relaxed, and the focus of her attention. Of course, there was the amazing calligraphic handwriting, and her ability to write the best letters ever! And finally, she had a wonderful “wicked” streak which would totally catch you off guard.
Madeleine kept that grace, humor, dignity and elegance throughout her entire life. And that sparkle in her eye never left. Looking at the last photos I have of her, I see the soul and spirit of a young woman with the wisdom of someone who has lived a long and meaningful life. I will miss you Madeleine. But you live on through me in so many ways.
