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O
Olevia Taylor posted a condolence
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sorry to read that your dear Elaine has fallen asleep in death do not know your family. When I read the obituary Elaine was well spoken of in a positive way this is something we all want when we fall a sleep in death may the God of all comfort, continue to comfort you during this time of deep sorrow. Our heavenly Father promises life everlasting to come in the restored Paradise where we will be reunited with our dear loved ones who have fallen asleep in death then death will be no more. Warm Christian Love !
G
Gail Plotkin posted a condolence
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Suzi, Thanks for sending the CD. So much of what you wrote was in the Rabbi's speech. What a beautiful service. I feel like I was there. We, who knew and loved Elaine, appreciate what a very special human being she was. I have never met anyone like her. Her friendship will always mean so much to me. You were a wonderful sister/friend to her. She loved you more than you know. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. You are amazing. Love, Gail (With deepest sympathy to your family in this time of sorrow).
S
Suzanne Chait-Magenheim posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My Sister Elaine
A little more about Elaine.
Very special and unique.
I see so much of my father in her.
I always joke that unlike me and my Mom, "they think before they speak!"
She was quiet, sensitive, less adventurous than I but probably had a higher IQ, skipped 3 grades, brilliant.
She was beautiful, tall, slim. She had sophisticated taste. She was elegant.
She always said I would age better because I had a full face and high cheek bonds and she had a thinner face. She was wrong. She never got a wrinkle, looks 30!
She thought she was a coward but the staff said she was an amazing woman, very brave and strong-willed.
And she was amazingly witty, like my Dad, they could say a lot in one liners.
When she had to leave her professional position due to ambulation difficulties, she said, "It wasn't like I was a mailman or anything."
In her healthy years ,she loved theater, film, ballet, the Alvin Ailey dancers, British actors,the critic Pauline Cahill, Walter Croncite, current events, was an avid tennis player, bike rider, lovely soprano sweet-voiced singer where she had a lead in the junior high school choir and a good dancer. She taught me to jitter bug. She was a great writer, very clever.She loved her trips to Manhattan to the theater and tennis matches. For my birthday she took me to the Celebrity Tennis Matches in Forest Hills for years and we crashed a Kennedy party after Ted won! Somehow she would discuss an actor she discovered like Paul Scofield or Richard Burton who did not become famous until a few years later. We spent wonderful summers in a little bungalow by the sea in Hyannis Port, Cape Cod with our folks and Aunt Julie and Uncle Dan where we swam and went to summer stock where Elaine developed her interest in the theater. She did get to tour Europe. I regret she asked me to accomany her to Israel my senior year but I would not leave my work on my senior thesis. I am pleased that my Chaiat cousins in Israel planted a tree in her name in their garden on Tu Bishvat today. I love how she proudly scooted down the aisle in her electric wheelchair as my maid of honor. I am very pleased that my husband Larry and I spent 12:00 New Year's Eve with her 3 weeks ago where she smiled to see us and asked for the wine we brought her (not the cheesecake this time.)
When she could no longer travel to the theater in NY, each year she sent me a check to see a play of her choice if I reviewed it for her! In her disabled years, we managed to get her her lamb chops, cheesecake, meatballs and spaghetti, her favorite perfume Black Pearl, and trips to the movies, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Tanglewood, the ballet at SPAC, and in later years great musicals at Proctors theater.
Her pen name was "Zelda Zilch" or "Lady Chaiterly" (from DH Lawrence's novel Lady Chatterly's Lover). She signed her name on greeting cards- Elaine the Elegant.
Men loved her as she was hard to get. She had a boyfriend Steven at the nursing home younger than she who predeceased her. She was not lucky.
She started watching the food channel- saying simply "because she likes to eat." And this was after she had to switch to pureed food. She enjoyed "Ellen."
And she woke me up in the middle of the night and took me to NYC for my Sweet 16 and I saw my first Broadway plays including My Fair Lady but she was impressed that I liked the Freudian drama better. Went to Mamma Leone's and Lindys. It was during that weekend that I decided to live my life against the Manhattan skyline.
And I am here because Elaine insisted to my parents that she have a playmate. I guess she thought I would arrive her size- and said "She's so small!" and walked away disgusted at the age of 4 and 1/2.
She was an English major at Ithaca College, worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield as a supervisor, became a paralegal from Russel Sage, and worked for senators at the NYS legislature. Loved animals, almost became a vet. We both still miss our cocker spaniel Bingo, as she said- the closest we came to having a baby!
She missed her parents a lot. She idolized her Dad and depended on and also admired her Mom.
It was difficult as she and we had to bare each small progressive loss, like her little red honda, her beautiful handwriting that saddened my Mom so, her notary public license, walking, and her independence and sense of control, having to rely on others for everything.
People loved her and that little smile.
She was my babysitter and my buddy. And my teacher, playmate, ping pong partner and sometimes tennis partner where her instructor said we had the killer instinct!
We were supposed to grow old together, like my Mom and Aunt Julie. I will always see us as kids.
May she rest in peace or who knows- be able to run, ride, drive, and dance again.
If there is reincarnation I hope she has a wonderful life that she deserves. Or we all reunite in that possible afterlife.
Suzanne, Elaine's proud sister
S
Suzanne Chait-Magenheim posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2011
Bonjourno!
Someone just told me that's Italian for "Good Day."
Before we arrived here in "the Eternal City" one of our guides (he's a Londoner) told us that in Rome we should take pictures not only with our cameras but with our hearts.
Let me tell you that as pooped out as I am, my heart's been functioning a helluva lot better than my cameras.
According to my itinerary, it won't be long before you see Elaina again. Love, Pooka
C
Carol Moot Maurice posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2011
Dear Suzanne, I read of Elaine's death in the Albany paper today and want to express my sympathy to you and your family. Elaine and her friend Gail Gersowitz were my roommates at Ithaca College in 1960-1961. What a strange and wondrous year it was! Our backgrounds were very different,our room was intended for 2 people, not 3, but we got along with lots of laughs. ELAINE ESPECIALLY, HAD A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR- something we all needed since our dorm was not in the best of shape. We trudged up and down hills, had a couple of classes together, and tolerated the long waits for access to the single bathroom shard by 8-10 people on our floor. I had the opportunity of visiting your parents with Elaine, and she came to visit my family. I changed colleges halfway through my sophomore year, postponed school for a while, and finally became an English teacher. My thoughts and memories of Elaine are still with me and I am sorry to read of her loss. Sincerely, Carol Moot Maurice
S
Stanley Kogelman posted a condolence
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Dear Suzanne, You are right- January is not a good month. I am so sorry about Elaine. I have many memories of my trips (by myself) on the train to Albany as a boy, to visit Elaine, because she was always so much fun! And you were quite the spunky little kid! Love, Stan
K
Karen (Hersch) Butterfield posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Dear Suzy, I can hardly remember a part of my life that didn't have Elaine as a part of it. From our Freshman year at Ithaca College until now and forever after, she will be in my life and my heart. I'm so grateful that you called to let me know about Elaine's passing and her funeral. I wish I had been more of a presence in her life the last several years. That's something I have to deal with. We had many hilarious times together, dancing on the lawns at Tanglewood, many weekends of play after play in New York, getting Richard Burton's autograph after Camelot, and on and on. We've always had that and I still do. You and Larry have been a miracle of care and love to Elaine. I ache for you for the emptiness you have now, but oh how I rejoice that God has released her from the prison of her body and has allowed her the freedom to dance. Love, Karen
A
Alma Schultz posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Who is this Lady
This Lady Elaine?
This beautiful lady
Who is not at all vain
With the smile of an angel
And a soul to match
A heart full of kindness
Her gift to dispatch
She asks very little
She doesn't complain
Except when no longer
Can she bear the pain
Never heard (Why me!)
Come from her lips
Her strength and acceptance
Is one of her gifts.
And so with this lady
(Elegant Elaine)
As long as she needs me
I will always remain.
E
Eugene & Patricia Frost posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Dear Suzanne and Larry, Patricia and I were most saddened to learn of Elaine's passing. Although we had not met Elaine while she enjoyed her youth and good health, we saw in her much inner beauty while she endured , with a smile, what must have been a very difficult life. She was a sweet person and a tower of strength. We shall miss her . . . Gene
G
Gail Plotkin posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Elaine- My Wise and Wonderful Friend Elaine taught me the meaning of loving kindness. She never made me feel like the Poor Kid. She was: funny, (witty actually)kind, smart, understanding, loyal, brave, beautiful, and original, and the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I feel like my heart is broken If there is a heaven, Elaine is there. Thank you, Elaine. Gail
C
Charles and Diane Hemphill posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Suzanne and Larry, Sorry for your loss. Feel like we knew your sister from the nice information you shared with us. We're sure she knew how proud of her you were. Time will heal and you have many great memories to hold on to. C&D
D
Dov, Simha, Matat&Alon, Adi, Paz, and Chen Chaiat posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
It is sad to hear on your loss although it is probably a release for Elaine We say in Hebrew "Tanuch al Miskava beshalom" meaning that she will lay peacefully. I know that she suffered quite a lot and you had to carry it, this tragedy. I remember that once when i spoke with her and it was hard to bear her Angst. It is "Too Bishvat" now which is the festive day for the trees, We are just back from a ceremony of planting new trees. I will plant now a new tree in Elaine's name in our garden with her hebrew name Esther. We are all with you. Love Simha, Dov, Matat&Alon, Adi, Paz, and Chen
A
Adi Chaiat posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
It's not easy for me to read your mail, and feel your sadness. I still remember my short phone call with Elaine a few months ago... Sending you a big hug with lots of Love, Adi
I
Ira Lupu posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Suzanne: You have my deepest condolences over the loss of your sister. I know that you loved her deeply, and cared for her with great love and devotion. She passed away knowing that as well. My thoughts are with you. Chip
C
Carol Schnall posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Suzanne: So sorry to hear about your sister. I know how lovingly you talked about her so my heart goes out to you. We'll be thinking of you. Carol and Norman
C
Craig Michaels posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Dear Suzanne, My deepest condolences to you and your family on your sister's passing. Hopefully she is in a better place and her suffering is over. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you while you are in Albany or upon your return.
B
Bill Haase posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Dear Suzanne, Please accept my condolences on the loss of your sister. I have one younger sibling and cannot imagine losing him. Bill
S
Stan Fischer posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Baruch Dayan HaEmet May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. I am sorry to hear of your tragic loss. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate. Stan
S
Susan Warrick posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hi Suzanne, My deepest sympathy. Elaine is now out of her misery. She is in a better place, what this world could no longer offer her. Love, Susan
P
Penny and Bob Aaronson posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
We were most saddened to hear about your sister Elaine. We're glad that you were up there to be with her until the last day. We were surprised to hear that the nursing home wants her things out immediately; after all, she was there so many years. We're thinking of you. Penny and Bob
J
Jerry Kugel posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Suzanne, Both Paula and I offer our condolences, may your sister rest in peace. Jerry & Paula
C
Carolyn Gallaway posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What a wonderful, warm, touching tribute to your sister. You must have had a great bond. I am so sorry Suzanne. Please know I'm thinking of your. Carolyn
P
Philip Galfano posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Suzanne Sadness sums up your heavy heart especially at this time. Be brave as I am sure your sister would expect no less. Much love, Phil.
J
Jana Sax posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Oh Suzanne, you have had so many losses in such a short time. I loved your remembrances of Elaine. I wish I had gotten to know her when we were in high school. But I was a silly, self-centered teenager and how special she was was lost on me. When people we love leave this earth all we have are out memories and yours are spectacular, Just as you were a thoughtful and loving daughter and niece, you were a caring and adoring sister. As we know each past loss brings back all past losses, I hope this time of grieving is also a time of, once again, being close to your family. My thoughts and best wishes are with you at this time of such sadness.
D
Dave Fenton posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. But sometimes these things happen for a reason as with pain that you do not need. Only God knows the reason and the timing. We can never outguess Him. Dave Fenton
L
Linda Lampert posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
So sorry for your loss. I do know what having a sister means. My heart goes out to you and Larry at this most painful time. You certainly have had your share of sorrows this past year. I send you my condolences. You are in my heart and prayers. Love, Linda
D
Della Wagman posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Dear Suzanne I was so sorry to hear of Elaine's passing. I know that you were such close good sisters to each other. I would like to be able to extend my condolences to you in person at some point. My sincerest condolences to you and Larry.
L
Lauri Chait posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Dear Suzanne, I'm so sorry to hear about Elaine. I know she and my Aunt Grace had a very special bond. Although I did not know Elaine in person, I knew all about her from Grace. My thoughts will be with you on Monday. I called Donald sand emailed my brother Larry. Please take care. Lauri
J
Joan Healy posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hi Suzanne, Just a quick note to let you know that I thought that the service for Elaine was beautiful. Your words and insight into her life were gentle and loving. It was an honor for us to care for and love her over the years. Joan Healy, Administrator/Chief Operating Officer- Daughters of Sarah Senior Community
B
Bernie Ashman posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2011
Elaine was a great cousin. When I was in college many years ago we exchanged several letters. She wrote so beautifully showing a strong sense of humor and possessed a very creative witty style. I have always loved her entire family. She had her physical problems but somehow that smile could still shine through and what a smile! Elaine had the good fortune to have a loving sister, mother & father. I have so many childhood memories of my family visiting Elaine and her family. I will always treasure these memories and will always have a warm place in my heart when I think of Elaine.
R
Ruth Weinberg posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2011
Dear Suzanne: I wish you only comfort and good memories after today's final tribute to Elaine....You were a good sister, above and beyond what was expected of you. I'm certain that Elaine warranted your efforts. May she rest in peace. My condolences to Larry also.
R
Richard Daffner posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2011
Although I only knew your sister during visits at Dtrs of Sarah, I'm glad I met her and I'm sorry we can't be with you now. We'll see you in Florida. Richard
D
Diana (Weinberg) Daffner posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2011
Dear Suzanne & Larry, I am so sorry to not be able to be with you this week. Elaine was around 17 when I became friends with Suzanne. She was the sophisticated, older sister that I wished I had! She was bright and witty and knew all about everything that mattered, and I loved hanging out with her when I visited the Chait's home. Later on, when visiting her at Daughters of Sarah, I continued to appreciate her sharp and funny mind. She is remembered with love.
R
Ruth and Roger Pincus posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2011
I am so saddened to hear about Elaine. Although it was expected it doesn't make it any easier. Please know I will be thinking of you on Monday and will try to talk to you sometime next week. Love, Ruthie
E
Eugene Frost posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2011
Dear Suzanne and Larry, Patty and I are most sad to hear about your sweet sister, Elaine. She had a very difficult life and we can surely know she is in a better place and free from the pain and suffering she experienced in this life. Kindly accept our condolences . Patty and I are in Maine till Monday. Please take care and we hope to see you and Larry over the winter. Love, Gene and Patty
G
GAIL PLOTKIN posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I just spent an hour telling a story and crying. Then i pushed a button in spell check and the whole story disappeared.
I hope someone more computer friendly can find it. At the end of my story, I said, "Elaine taught me the meaning of loving kindness. She never made me feel like the Poor kid. She was: funny, (witty actually) kind, smart, understanding, loyal, brave, beautiful, an original, and the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I feel like my heart is broken. if there is a heaven Elaine is there. Thank you, Elaine. Gail
S
Suzanne Chait- Magenheim posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2011
A little more about Elaine. Very special and unique.
I see so much of my father in her.
I always joke that unlike me and my Mom, "they think before they speak!"
She was quiet, sensitive, less adventurous than I but probably had a higher IQ, skipped 3 grades.
She was very pretty, tall, slim. She had sophisticated taste.
She always said I would age better because I had a full face and high cheek bonds and she had a thinner face. She was wrong. She never got a wrinkle, looks 30!
She thought she was a coward but the staff said she was an amazing woman, very brave and strong-willed.
And she was amazingly witty, like my Dad, they could say a lot in one liners.
In her healthy years ,she loved theater, film, ballet, the Alvin Ailey dancers, British actors,the critic Pauline Cahill, Walter Croncite, current events, was an avid tennis player, bike rider, and good dancer. She taught me to jitter bug. She was a great writer, very clever.She loved her trips to Manhattan to the theater and tennis matches. For my birthday she took me to the Celebrity Tennis Matches in Forest Hills for years and we crashed a Kennedy party after Ted won! Somehow she would discuss an actor she discovered like Paul Scofield or Richard Burton who did not become famous until a few years later. She did get to tour Europe. I regret she asked me to accomany her to Israel my senior year but I would not leave my work on my senior thesis.
When she could no longer travel to the theater in NY, each year she sent me a check to see a play of her choice if I reviewed it for her! In her disabled years, we managed to get her her lamb chops, cheesecake, meatballs and spaghetti, her favorite perfume Black Pearl, and trips to the movies, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Tanglewood, the ballet at SPAC, and in later years great musicals at Proctors theater.
Her pen name was "Zelda Zilch" or "Lady Chaiterly" (from DH Lawrence's novel Lady Chatterly's Lover).
Men loved her as she was hard to get. She had a boyfriend Steven at the nursing home younger than she who predeceased her. She was not lucky.
She started watching the food channel- saying simply "because she likes to eat." And this was after she had to switch to pureed food. She enjoyed "Ellen."
And she woke me up in the middle of the night and took me to NYC for my Sweet 16 and I saw my first Broadway plays including My Fair Lady but she was impressed that I liked the Freudian drama better. Went to Mamma Leone's and Lindys.
And I am here because Elaine insisted to my parents that she have a playmate. I guess she thought I would arrive her size- and said "She's so small!" and walked away disgusted at the age of 4 and 1/2. She was here to zoom down the aisle in her electric wheelchair at my wedding, as my proud bridesmaid.
She was an English major at Ithaca College, worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield as a supervisor, became a paralegal from Russel Sage, and worked for senators at the NYS legislature. Loved animals, almost became a vet. We both still miss our cocker spaniel Bingo, as she said- the closest we came to having a baby!
She missed her parents a lot. She idolized her Dad and depended on and also admired her Mom.
It was difficult as she and we had to bare each small progressive loss, like her little red honda, her beautiful handwriting that saddened my Mom so, her notary public license, walking, and her independence and sense of control, having to rely on others for everything.
People loved her and that little smile.
She was my babysitter and my buddy. And my teacher, playmate, ping pong partner and sometimes tennis partner where her instructor said we had the killer instinct!
May she rest in peace or who knows- be able to run, ride, drive, and dance again.
If there is reincarnation I hope she has a wonderful life that she deserves. Or we all reunite in that possible afterlife.
Suzanne Chait-Magenheim, Elaine's proud sister
A
Alma Schultz posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2011
OUR ELAINE
BY Alma Schultz, Elaine's aide for over 10 years
Soon she will leave us,
Our Elegant Elaine
For a place where no longer
Will she feel any pain.
Where her Dad's heart is perfect
Where her Mom's brain is clear
And she'll know that Elaine
Is her daughter so dear.
Such joy for Elaine
As she runs forth to greet them.
Such sorrow for us
As we lose this sweet gem.
Yet we know that we will
In time be together
Together, forever and ever . Amen
M
Mr. and Mrs. James P. Samster posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Dear Suzanne and Larry, Please accept our sincere sympathy for your great lose. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Yours James and Kathryn Samster
S
Suzanne Chait- Magenheim posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2011
HOW I ENDED UP IN NEW YORK
DEDICATED TO MY SISTER ELAINE
His large hand swooped down on the page with lighter movements then one thought possible, as he gripped a bulky black charcoal pencil. His darker, twinkling eyes rapidly glanced at the children as he laughingly produced the magic for them. Before my very eyes were a whirlwind of artistic gems, which could only be cartoons in the eyes of a child. There was Mickey Mouse, and Minnie, and Goofy. A panorama of Disney characters as the children whooped with glee, trying to be the first to recognize and shout out the name of the fictional celebrity.
I was one of those children, some five decades ago, along with my older sister, Elaine. My prize, was a drawing of a turkey, which our new "hero," this stocky little man with his graying mustache that he played with when he wasn't playing our superstar, expertly sprayed for preservation, folded it, an deftly rubber banded it, so his two wide-eyed fans could take this acquisition home with them to the hinterlands of Albany and display it for posterity forevermore.
He was a professional cartoonist hired to entertain the children at a party in a magnificent Manhattan apartment overlooking Central Park on Thanksgiving Day, gathered to have the unique blessing on this day, of watching the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from the window. I must have been 5 years old and it was grand. That's about all I remember, other than a float about five floors below. But something more. Something that slipped into my unconscious about the joy of sharing the grandeur of these high ceilings, the subtle sophistication of old money, and yet the glamour and excitement that was New York. I thought this blessed event occurred on Fifth Avenue but my husband, born and bred in Manhattan, has told me innumerable times that the Thanksgiving Day Parade has always gone down Central Park West, not Fifth. Whatever. Voila! The seed was planted. And then I forgot about New York for a million years.
The scene is now a dark room and I am being shaken and awakened by the same sister who accompanied me to New York that Thanksgiving Day, my only sister actually. Elaine is now a young lady of 20, as she keeps whispering loudly "Get up, get up", and finally, "We're going to New York!" For it's another holiday, eleven years hence, a summer celebration, the holiday of my Sweet Sixteenth Birthday. And her surprise to me was a weekend in the Big City which she had decided to keep a real secret, even from my parents. The reason she didn't give advanced notice: "Oh, you always get sick before we're supposed to do something!" I remember our giggling, and our stealth like movements as we tiptoed out of the house at dawn, into an awaiting taxi that whisked us to the awaiting train (just for me of course) on to one of the most significant weekends in my life.
Mamma Leone's for lunch, which was the reigning Italian restaurant of the day with its bubbling, juicy, plum ripe tomato sauce and of course, can't miss cheesecake at Lundy's. They don't make it with that consistency, flavor and moistness served with such generous portions today except at the Palm restaurants, with smaller portions. Saturday's main events were two Broadway plays, a musical and a drama. "My Fair Lady," for which Elaine apologized profusely that Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews were no longer the stars, but we adored it anyway. The male lead with the cockney accent cocked his tweed hat the same way as Harrison. The drama, "No Exit" starred Steven Hill, who played a young Sigmund Frued, and now plays a senior DA on Law and Order. It portrayed the story of Freud's first case, Anna, a woman suffering from hysteria who couldn't walk! About as dramatic as a drama could get, and my sister was thrilled that, when asked which play I preferred, I surprisingly responded that I preferred the drama. How profoundly intellectual and serious for a mere adolescent! Who knows how intense an effect this play had on me, as years later I did end up with a license in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I don't say, "The play's the thing," but it certainly laid groundwork of intellectual interest, curiosity, and optimism concerning the subject matter and the theater.
After dinner, things got a little weird as my sister was not truly cosmopolitan then, as a day tripper to New York. She practically checked us into a nearby hotel in the theater district. After all, there was no Marriott Marquis back then. I think this little smoky red edifice was called the Lone Star Hotel, and the setting could have been out of Gunsmoke or a current Clint Eastwood western. An old hotel with creaky stairs and a white sink in the corner of the room with brown rusty water. We simultaneously giggled and stared at the door throughout the night out of fear of being accosted by a bandit from the old west brandishing his holster and gun.
What most stands out in my mind that memorable weekend, as goofy and sentimental as it sounds, was the decision I made standing right on Broadway. I had fallen in love with the Broadway lights, as gauche and garish as parts of Broadway were, and I was going to move to New York someday. I vowed it then, and I know, as a psychotherapist, when someone vows something, (Like, "I will NEVER get married again), they will stick to it. Well, I vowed it and stuck to it as five years later, as a college graduate, I boarded that train again. Not bound for Broadway as an aspiring star, yet seeking glamour and excitement of earlier celebrations. But that's another story with a lot of lessons learned along the way.
As a final thought I would like to dedicate this essay to my sister Elaine, who I have frequently lauded or frustratingly blamed for that decision (more often the former) as I hold her most responsible for my life being played out against the Manhattan skyline. Even more important, as the story goes, as a four year old, she also incessantly pestered my parents for a playmate so they gave her a little sister. Really little. I understand her profound disappointment when she saw me and exclaimed, "She's too small to play with," and dejectedly walked away. So on this day," Attention must be paid" and credit must be given. For her being somewhat responsible for my arrival in this world and my arrival in New York, I must thank my sister Elaine.
c
christine kindlon posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2011
elaine was a lovely women i had the pleasure of being her caregiver for many years she will be missed by all