Dear family and friends,
As some of you know, today would have been Nora’s and my 29th wedding anniversary. Impossible. Wasn’t it just yesterday? Some of you were there. Our dear friends, Walter and Karen Palmer offered their beautiful hand-made home and studio on Sawmill Creek Road is what is now “Greater Bluffton.” Back then there were about three houses on Sawmill Creek, all hidden by palmetto and pine and water and live oak and crepe myrtle and brambles and Spanish moss.
Yup, that’s us. Nora had turned 33 in September. I was stumbling toward 40. That handsome couple in the back that’s Anne and Hamp, Nora’s parents. The couple to the right, that’s Kari and Marty, my sister-in-law and brother. They live in Tombstone, Arizona and make an annual trip east once a year and time their arrival to be here a bit before this day. I needed them then and I needed them now. Sort of works out.
That shorter person with her back to us is Cindy. She was Nora’s administrative assistant when Nora was in the hotel business. She was also a Notary and she married us.
The little kid on the left. That’s Dustin, Nora’s oldest son. He came down from Charlotte with his Michelle to sit with his mama this past weekend and help Nora begin her new journey. So did his beautiful sister Rebecca, Nora’s oldest. And son Aaron as been with me, and daughter Sarah and her Jeremy. And Nora’s sister Jaine.
I guess you guessed the couple in the middle. Well, her mama is gone and now Nora is gone and I’m left holding that damn ring.
But some things remain the same. I needed a haircut then. And I need one now.
We had no funeral ceremony. Nora and I talked about our last days long before the cancer. Nora’s ashes will end up at a special place in the waters off Hilton Head Island. But my beloved deserves to be celebrated, so we are going to have a Celebration of Nora’s Life on November 2, 2013 here on The Ridge (608 Boyd Creek Drive, Ridgeland, SC 29936). Come about 3 in the afternoon. It will be low tide, but that’s O.K. Nora loved our view 24/7.
It’s going to be an oyster roast. We’re also having Frogmore Stew, just like we did 29 short years ago. I will need to know if you’re thinking of coming so we’ll have enough oysters and boil (stew) and other stuff. You just email me directly at celebratenora@gmail.com in the next week. If you need accommodations, nephew Hampton is a deal worked out with a nearby motel. Let me know if you need it. We have plenty of parking. And for you Luddites who do not have GPS (you are a “Luddite” if you don’t know what GPS is), I’ll email you or send you a hard copy map.
Got it? Nov. 2, 3 pm. 608 Boyd Creek Drive, Ridgeland, SC 29936. The only problem with this sort of thing is that the guest of honor is always AWOL.
Your support and kindness and generosity are helping my family pull through this. What great friends. What great people. I know your lives were greatly enhanced by knowing my bride.
My love to you all. I’ll need you.
Paul
Thank you Paul for your thoughtful words and the love you have for Nora. We are all still in disbelief…so full of life…I can hear her genuine laugh, and she always laughed. We love her too. Hope to see you November 2. Love and hugs for you and the children.
Tana & Dennis
Paul , it meant so much that you tenderly kept us up to date with the gallant fight that you and Nora were waging. She had the love of a devoted husband and children to help her through and beyond. She was so loved and will be missed by so many. Like Tana , I’ll miss that laugh and her daring ! She was one of a kind. Mark and I will be there to honor her and the ones she loved dearly. Lots of love to you and the family.
We will be there- with all if our love Paul- just let me know what you need.
For many years Katherine and I were close friends, I used to live in Easley. She had such love for her sisters and family. I am so touched by the feelings coming from your words and pictures. If only we are all so fortunate in our lives. God bless You and your family . Nora is truly a fortunate woman.
For those of us who cannot come in person, we will be with you in spirit. Remembering times spent together in our younger years. Prayers and blessings to you and all of those who love Nora. Thank you for letting us be part of the journey.
Kris Mishoe Russell
Paul,
I just got the news this morning and I am so sorry I did not know Nora was sick. Nora was one of the most influential people in my life and I like to think she shaped much of who I have become. She was with me when Ashley was born taking charge as she always did. She ran my wedding to Stephen and at one time she entrusted me to care for the beautiful Aaron and Sarah. I loved my days with you, Nora and your family and am saddened for not reaching out to Nora to just hug her and tell her how much I did love her. I hope these words don’t come too late to let you know how much I love you and will always have a heart full of joy for knowing you and Nora. I will be at the celebration on November 2.
Much love,
Lisa Grindstaff-Garner Owens