thoughts of Nanook of the Aurora Borealis

shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister

The summer after high school graduation, Cyn and Linh got a dog. They named him Nanook of the Aurora Borealis, a pure breed Siberian Husky with distinctive “mask” face markings and ice-blue eyes.

Arlene has talked about him before. He was super cute, immensely playful; he loved being around people and would often walk himself when I or Arlene were unable to walk him.

I remember when Nanook was still a puppy, our neighbor and good friend, Josh Chow, would get on his rollerblades and walk Nanook. Cyn would trade off with Josh every other block and I would follow behind on foot with our family dog, Freckles.

I remember that first summer with Nanook was memorable since he was so curious, and it was fun to watch him grow bigger. Although he was mischievous, he was so sweet and loving it was hard to be mad at him.

When Nanook died in February of 2004, it was heartbreaking. But, olddly enough, it was a comfort to know that all dogs go to heaven. I am sure Cyn was happy to see her dog again.

thoughts of random balloons

shared by Arlene Rabuy, her sister

While we were growing up, we owned a helium tank and kept it in the garage at home. So we could blow up balloons any time we wanted. We would make balloon arches (sometimes reluctantly), and would bring balloons to events or special occasions.

For whatever reason, one vivid memory I have of Cyn is of her blowing up balloons for a party. She was also good at making the arches, which isn't surprising given her talent with arts and crafts.

During one of Cyn’s memorial services, a random balloon stealthily entered the church. For some reason, when I noticed it floating quietly, it felt like Cyn had sent it. From that day on, whenever I see a random balloon flying in the sky, I'm reminded of Cyn and can't help but smile.

thoughts of silly faces

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

While we were at mass on Easter Sunday, I was lucky enough to be sitting behind a cute little boy who I'm guessing was about three years old. He was sitting between his parents and was shifting around in his seat like most kids do during mass.

During one part of the mass, he looked at me a few times, and each time I would make a silly face at him - squinting my eyes, sticking out my tongue, crossing my eyes, tilting my head, and such. He would look at me... smile... and turn away, then look at me... smile... and turn away.

It was a fun game that we had going. When the game ended, it immediately made me think of Cindy. I remember several occasions throughout our lives when she would find the infant, toddler or young church goer sitting in front of her during mass and proceed to engage in a game of silly faces. Ya know, I sure miss those silly faces...