I wanted to note the passing of a person who was very
special to our family, Viola Bye. She
died several weeks ago after a massive heart attack. Today, September 30th, she would
have reached 90 years old. In fact, we
were supposed to attend a very small party this evening at her daughter
Yvonne’s house, who is our neighbor.
Vi lived for several years in the house next door with
Yvonne and Peter, Yvonne’s brother and Vi’s son. That’s how we became acquainted. She was a wonderful person to know. She walked very slowly, slightly stooped, and
used a cane to help her around, but the brightness of her attitude, and the
energy she radiated from within, made these physical impairments seem more like
adopted mannerisms, like a disguise that she could throw off whenever she wanted.
She reminded me of a cross between Yoda
and a hobbit, and I say that with pure respect and admiration. Her wise eyes, curled body, and cane conjured up a visual similarity to Yoda, while her gentle, friendly,
unassuming nature, and the absolutely most delightful British accent ever to
tickle an American ear, would have put her right at home with Frodo, Sam and
the rest in middle-earth.