Laughing with Cindy
Cindy was such a beautiful, vivacious person. My first impression of her was at our neighborhood block party. Well, actually, it was Curtis dressed as Snow White that was my first impression, but Cindy was holding his hand, walking down the street with him as normal as any wife would hold her Snow White husband's hand. She looked perfectly content and at ease. I later learned that she had made the costume for Curtis, which only added to my positive first impression. Needless to say, I had a fun conversation with her, one of many of the next few years. Then, when my daughter joined the Berkeley Crew team, I would see Cindy at meets. She would be perched in her beach chair along the shore, ready to make a lot of noise whenever Will's boat would appear for those few moments, racing down the river, Cindy cheering him on, clanging that cow bell. Cindy always lit up when talking about Clayton and Will. She was so proud of her children as she should be. They are a reflection of her and Curtis's love, and their commitment to making the world a better place. When she was diagnosed with cancer, I saw her more often in the neighborhood, working in her garden, taking her walks, with or without Curtis. She was relentless in her pursuit to maintain a healthy body and a positive mindset, and an inspiration to all of us in the neighborhood. She refused to let the cancer bring her down, and insisted on living her life to the fullest, shaped by a profound sense of gratitude. I laughed a lot when I talked to her, and I think that's what I'll remember most: Laughing with Cindy. Life is precious, and I was reminded of that every time I saw her, and I will continue to be reminded of that whenever I think of her.