From a time before I can remember
Frances Consalvi was a part of my life.
She helped to raise me during my formative years and became a part of my family. I was with Frances when we left Susie at the veterinarian for the last time. I was about the age of my older daughter and did not quite understand what had happened. I’m still struggling with it. I accompanied her many times when she went to pick up Albert from work. I even made the decision to stay at Frances’ house instead of going with mom, dad, and my brother to Disneyland. I have no regrets on that one. For some reason I even remember walking one day from our house in Santa Clara, past the mustard fields, and finally to Frances’ house for dinner. Many of my memories from Santa Clara involve Frances and what wonderful memories they are.
From a child’s perspective anyone older than a sibling is old. And so I never imagined Frances would be there for my wedding, or my first born, or my other formative years. Joyfully, she was there, front and center. Many a Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent with Frances and Albert, either at my parents’ house or hers, so it is with great sadness that those memories are complete. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to introduce her to my children and that my oldest, Kari, will have some memory of my cherished loved one. I now know of course that Frances was not old and I expect she never would have been. Her spirit was strong and likely is what propelled her to her 80th year despite failing health.
How unique, rare, and special it was to have someone who loved me as Frances did. Things like pizzelles, orange sherbet, Royal Copenhagen plates (which lined the family room), zinnias tomatoes & gardening, poodles, ornately decorated Christmas trees and more will remind me of Frances. But what I will remember the most and what I will pass on to my daughters is the love.
I am left with two final memories with Frances. The last time my family and I visited Frances a few weeks ago she was weak and tired but the same loving, caring, concerned person I’ve always known. That was a good visit. Finally, I always admired Frances’ devotion to her faith and thought it might be nice to attend church with her one time. Although it was not as I had envisioned I did get that wish granted and was deeply honored to be a pallbearer along with my brother and accompany Frances on her final visit to church.
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family and her friends whom she all loved so deeply.
I love you Frances.
Comments may be posted at http://blog.severud.org
Daily email updates
