Corina Gayk
Entered
December 19, 2018
from Rye, New York
Dearest Mario, Julia, Peter and family,
Today we are sharing in your monumental loss of Vio. Even when one expects it, it is nevertheless all too final when the last moment finally comes. I am so sorry for grief you are doubtlessly feeling, and hope that you will quickly move to the comfort of the many many beautiful memories of Vio that you each have.
I'm sure, dear Mario, that Vio still relished your daily visits - as you said, she still smiled when you kissed her cheek, even when her eyes were closed. What a testament to the beautiful love you both shared for all those many years, and which you in turn both shared with all of us!
I have so many memories of the two of you over all the years of my lifetime. You have both played such a vital role - you were family we otherwise didn't have. You had to be present at all the important milestone events or something crucial would have been missing. And so my memories are all of the two of you together - both pretty much the same height, always a couple; smiling and happy. Vio brought so much joy wherever she went. I will always remember her unique laugh, and full smile with those sparkling blue eyes. I will never forget her calling us all "hunnykin", or how well she got along with Nana, my grandmother, with whom she spoke german! I remember how she loved to make sure she posed when she knew a picture was being taken, and so she often is the only one who looks great in a shot! She was so good at laughing at herself - a quality which most of us should practice more. She was such a good listener, and always found time to show interest in what each of us was doing. Burned into my memory is also Vio doing "salutation to the sun" yoga on the dock at Syl and Jeannie's cottage, long before yoga was a "thing". She always seemed to keep her eternal youth through her excitement for life, and her willingness to try every new thing that Mario presented her with.
In the last few years, when I only saw her rarely, even when she didn't remember every little thing, Vio's kindness and love was always easy to feel. She was a great soul, and our lives have all been enriched for the part she played in them.
Sending you much love and prayers today, Corina and family
