I think Tanya was the first to leave us, tragically too soon. And what promise she showed! To say that "she lost her life" means so much more than that she simply stopped living. It's impossible to think about the long and varied lives that the rest of us have experienced since high school without feeling deeply sad that she never got to have any of it.
Revisiting Tanya’s grave not long ago, I saw that her once white marble headstone had discolored to a streaked brown. The inscription—which was under her yearbook picture—was hard to read: "And shall not loveliness be loved forever..." It's from Euripides. The verse from “The Bacchae,” about wine and celebration, goes:
“What else is Wisdom? What of man's endeavor
Or God's high grace, so lovely and so great?
To stand from fear set free, to breathe and wait;
To hold a hand uplifted over Hate;
And shall not Loveliness be loved forever?”
Though darkened, the message of joy remains bright. To live without fear and hate is still a lovely dream, a fitting epitaph. It echoes down the years, as do our memories of her.
I have a warm memory of spending a happy afternoon pulling taffy with Tanya, following the instructions of her lovely Russian mother. Undoubtedly otherwise I'd never have had such a homey experience but the uniqely adoring atmosphere of her parents sticks in my mind as much as the delicious taffy and fun. What a happy, loving family the three of them were!
It was heartbreaking to learn later of her premature, tragic end, imagining her parents' infinite sorrow at the loss of their only child. Dear, dear Tanya. What a sweet girl she was!
(Yes, thank you, Bob, for sharing your exquisite testament to Tanya, in the words of the poet who might have had her in mind when penning his words. I'm glad she is remembered with such love and tenderness.)
I'll always remember Tanya as she lived across the road from me. She wasn't an only child tho - she had a sister named Cricket! Never knew if that was her real name or a nickname.
Sandi Harrelson Clark
Yes, it is good to pause a moment and remember those lovely souls who died too young. Indeed, I think Euripides had Tanya in mind when he penned those words. And thank you, Bob, for underscoring the line, "to hold a hand uplifted over hate." Me thinks Tanya would have lived those words out...and may we all, in the times upon us, live them out ourselves. Peace, Hilary
Jackie Anderson
I think Tanya was the first to leave us, tragically too soon. And what promise she showed! To say that "she lost her life" means so much more than that she simply stopped living. It's impossible to think about the long and varied lives that the rest of us have experienced since high school without feeling deeply sad that she never got to have any of it.
Bob Gilbert
Revisiting Tanya’s grave not long ago, I saw that her once white marble headstone had discolored to a streaked brown. The inscription—which was under her yearbook picture—was hard to read: "And shall not loveliness be loved forever..." It's from Euripides. The verse from “The Bacchae,” about wine and celebration, goes:
“What else is Wisdom? What of man's endeavor
Or God's high grace, so lovely and so great?
To stand from fear set free, to breathe and wait;
To hold a hand uplifted over Hate;
And shall not Loveliness be loved forever?”
Though darkened, the message of joy remains bright. To live without fear and hate is still a lovely dream, a fitting epitaph. It echoes down the years, as do our memories of her.
Nancy Harding
Thank you for that, Bob. Tanya was indeed lovely and is remembered as such.
Amanda “Mandy” Saxon
I have a warm memory of spending a happy afternoon pulling taffy with Tanya, following the instructions of her lovely Russian mother. Undoubtedly otherwise I'd never have had such a homey experience but the uniqely adoring atmosphere of her parents sticks in my mind as much as the delicious taffy and fun. What a happy, loving family the three of them were!
It was heartbreaking to learn later of her premature, tragic end, imagining her parents' infinite sorrow at the loss of their only child. Dear, dear Tanya. What a sweet girl she was!
(Yes, thank you, Bob, for sharing your exquisite testament to Tanya, in the words of the poet who might have had her in mind when penning his words. I'm glad she is remembered with such love and tenderness.)
Mandy Sessel (Legare)
Tanya was a good friend and I spent many nights at her house. I too have often thought of her parents' heart break. They were all so good to me.
Sandra Harrelson (Clark)
I'll always remember Tanya as she lived across the road from me. She wasn't an only child tho - she had a sister named Cricket! Never knew if that was her real name or a nickname.
Sandi Harrelson Clark
Hilary Maddux
Yes, it is good to pause a moment and remember those lovely souls who died too young. Indeed, I think Euripides had Tanya in mind when he penned those words. And thank you, Bob, for underscoring the line, "to hold a hand uplifted over hate." Me thinks Tanya would have lived those words out...and may we all, in the times upon us, live them out ourselves. Peace, Hilary