thoughts of a birthday request

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Happy 32nd Birthday Cyn!

I have several memories of Cyn's birthday celebrations. I often think of spending much of the day cleaning the house so that Cyn's friends could come over in the evening. Although I also remember a couple of times when Cyn and her friends decided to gather in one or two rooms at a local hotel to celebrate.

Wherever the location, I always admired Cyn for making the effort to get her friends together on her birthday. So although having her birthday so close to Christmas may have been bittersweet at times - given that it could be easily overlooked amidst the holidays - one good thing was that many of her friends were usually home for winter break, so her birthday was the perfect reason to get together.

I remember going to church on her birthday. Some years we would attend Simbang Gabi at five-thirty in the morning. As is tradition, we would eat breakfast after mass in the church hall. Usually after that, we would go home and go back to sleep. We affectionately referred to this process as having "Simbang-Gabi-Syndrome".

As with most family birthdays, I remember partaking in a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake. For Me, Arlene and Carla, our favorite flavor was always Gold Medal Ribbon. I know Cyn and VJ liked that too, but I also recall Cyn liking Vanilla or maybe also Pralines and Cream.

Two years ago, we started this blog in honor of Cyn's birthday. It's so heartwarming to acknowledge that it continues to grow every month. So to all of you reading, thank you for continuing to celebrate Cyn's life and spirit with us.

In 2009, we had 30 entries that coincided with Cyn's 30th birthday. In 2010, to commemorate Cyn's 31st birthday, we posted a few entries of people sharing thoughts about gifts that Cyn had given to them. This year, as a little birthday twist, we are asking that if you are reading this - and as a birthday gift to Cyn - please make the commitment to submit a blog entry sharing your own thoughts of Cyn.

Every entry, long or short, silly or reflective, random or life-impacting, is a celebration of Cyn. You don't have to start writing something today. But if you've been thinking about it and already have a memory in mind, submit something within the next three months. If you've been wanting to share something but haven't yet thought of what to say, jot something down within the next six months.

If you have already posted something, thank you so much, but that doesn't mean you're excluded. For you folks, please submit something before Cyn's next birthday. Another option, for everybody, would be to simply submit a photo and a caption. Thank you in advance for your part in helping our blog continue to grow, and for helping to keep Cyn's spirit and memory alive.

Happy Birthday Cyn!

We love you!

We miss you!

We celebrate you!

thoughts of as you wish

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Whenever I hear certain movie lines I always think of Cyn.

"Anybody want a peanut?"

"You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means."

"Have fun storming the castle!"

"Hellllooooo Lady!"

from The Princess Bride

"You're killing me Smalls!"

"We're waaaaaiiiiiiiting..."

"Lotion-ing... oil-ing... oil-ing... lotion-ing..."

"Foooooor...eeeeeeev...eeeeeeer..."

from The Sandlot

Here's one line that people may not be as familiar with...

"If you wanna show off, why don't you learn how to play chess?"

This line was spoken by the young Waverly, in The Joy Luck Club.

These were some of Cyn's favorite movie lines, and I have several fun-filled memories of her quoting them at just the right time during a given situation. I smile whenever I hear any of these lines, or find myself repeating them. And during those moments I can feel Cyn smiling along with me.

thoughts of winter, spring, summer or fall

shared by Andrew Beall, her brother-in-law

Sometimes when you least expected it, Cindy would show up with a stack of colored paper or sculpting clay or some other random art supply. She'd sit down and just create something really fun in a short amount of time.

On one particular day, she said she wanted to celebrate the seasons changing. In a little while, she had created a collage that contained her view of all four seasons and hung it in her room.

I always liked it and felt it was worth keeping. As we transition to the holiday season, I figured it was a good time to share Cindy's art with all of you. Enjoy!

thoughts of three and a turkey

shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister

I know I seem to gravitate towards sports related themes in several of my blog posts, so this one is no exception.

Although I am an A’s fan, I do admit that - as a baseball fan - I did enjoy this year’s World Series. During game three of the seven game series, Albert Pujols hit three homeruns! He became the third player in baseball history to accomplish such a feat in a World Series game, along with Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson.

This made me think about how three is a magic number. Schoolhouse Rocks sings about it, and sports often strive for it. In basketball, there’s the triple-double. Hockey has the hat trick. And many sports celebrate the triple crown, including Baseball and Horse Racing, and I think it’s even used in Surfing.

Another famous “three” in sports is the turkey! A turkey is a bowling term for three consecutive strikes in a single game. I learned about a turkey about 16 years ago as I was invited to go bowling with Cindy and her then boyfriend, Jason Kawazoe. Jason was quite the impressive bowler and I believe he had faired well in several amateur bowling tournaments. At the time he was a high school senior.

So, Jason, Cindy and I went to the local bowling alley to enjoy a couple games. In the first game, within the first five or so frames, Cindy put up a strike, followed by a strike, and finally...a third strike! She was rather nonchalant about it, almost like she knew it was coming. Cindy and I joked by calling it a chicken - instead of a turkey - when the bird appeared on the screen upon her third consecutive strike.

Cyn hadn't bowled much, save the occasional birthday party, and in the first game she got a turkey! That is the only time I've ever seen a turkey while bowling with friends. It was a gobble-gobble of a good time and another fond sports memory I have of Cindy.

thoughts of a vision of love

shared by Andrew Beall, her brother-in-law

I will admit that I was not a huge fan of Mariah Carey for quite some time. That is, until Cindy and I got into a heated discussion one day about the talents of one of her favorite singers. For the purpose of this blog post, I won't delve into my very important reasons as to why I'm a Beyonce guy instead of Mariah.

If I remember correctly, Cindy and I were driving back to her apartment when a song by Mariah came on the radio. I moved to change the station and was quickly told to back away from the dial. I explained that I was not a fan, and Cyn gave me quite a tongue lashing. It lasted for the whole trip home, up the stairs of her building, and into the apartment as well.

Cindy felt she was not only a great singer, but a great songwriter as well. Our talk eventually led to a nice conversation about creativity and individualism. While I wouldn't say I was absolutely convinced that day, I did feel that anyone who could impress Cindy so much was worth giving a chance. Eventually I think I conceded the win to her.

So now whenever Mariah Carey comes on the radio, I don't even dare think about changing the station. I make sure to listen to the whole song and imagine that Cindy is singing right next to me. I usually laugh a bit as it reminds me of that fiery debate and how passionate she got. You win, Cyn! =)

thoughts of tying knots, college life and missing you

shared by May Reburiano DeGuzman, her friend from college

Dear Cindy,

I miss you. I talked about you in my classes the other day when we were reading and talking about Tuesdays with Morrie and its theme about appreciating the things and people we have in life. It has taken me a long time to speak about you because it’s still really painful to face the fact that we’re not growing old together. Only recently can I stand in front of my students in a classroom that I’ve been teaching in for the past 9 years and mention your name without crying.

The first year you were gone, I thought of you every day, and I know that my grief is miniscule as compared to your family and friends’ who have known you for so many more years than I have, but I guess it goes to show how much you mean to me.

It was only until this past year did you actually appear to me in a couple of my dreams. I remember one very vividly: we were at UCLA and I was walking around campus, and you were there wearing your cargo pants and tank top. I saw you and immediately embraced you tight. I was smiling so hard, and I told you that I’ve been missing you so much, and then you told me not to worry because you were fine. I woke up that morning feeling happy, and when I got ready for work, I felt a sense of peace.

Well, I’m a teacher now; I’m married to Paolo, and we have a 2 year old girl. I wonder what life would be like if you were here with us. You would probably be living in the Bay because your heart was always there. I can imagine you as a politician, on a school board maybe, fighting for student achievement.

I visit Cheryl now and then, and it’s funny because our eldest kids are about the same age; she has 2 kids now. Melanie is getting married next week, but unfortunately, I can’t make the wedding. We always think of you when we’re together. At my wedding, we took a four-fect picture with Bret making a C with his hand to represent you.

Some of my fondest memories with you have to do with our English classes. Every time enrollment came around, we’d consult each other so that we could take at least one class together. During lectures, you’d bring the snacks, and we’d keep each other awake to take notes. Whenever we were done with the food, you’d roll up the empty Ziplock or chip bag and tie it in a compact, neat knot.

Midterms and finals were only fun because that was our time to study, which meant we’d spend most of the time having deep conversations about life, love, and politics. We had great study groups though. I remember reading Waiting for Goddot out loud lounging in your living room when you lived in the apartment off Jasmine St in Palms.

I remember the graphic organizers you’d effortlessly create to split up class material for each study group member to fill in and then share with the rest. I remember sleeping over at your place because we’d be up late talking about where we came from and where we thought we’d be in the future.

My UCLA memories are filled with you. I remember consoling you on the brown leather couch of the SRC in Men’s Gym because you wanted to go home for Winter Break already. I remember us getting a ride from Jerry to Venice to get our belly buttons pierced. I went first, and then watched you get yours done on the lower lip of your navel because that’s just how your belly button was.

I remember going to the park to help with sign boarding for your USAC elections and us running around the playground. I remember when we made friends with the cops outside of Cheryl’s apartment during finals week. I remember us dancing to Britney Spears on the stage at Club Arcadia on Santa Monica Pier.

I remember walking with you to and from your numerous meetings to catch up on how we’ve been. We confided in each other our hopes and anxieties. We shared not only the same clothes and shoe sizes, but also the same ideals and values in life.

I admired your artistic and organizational talents, your carefree and fun-loving nature; I marveled at your ease at making and sustaining friendships with so many different people, your sense of justice and compassion. I and everyone else loved you for your pure soul and unassuming acceptance.

I still miss you, Cindy Rabuy, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop. You’ll never know how much you’ve touched our lives. I tell my students about you because I want them to appreciate and love the people around them and because you’re still a role model of selflessness and hard work in a culture that doesn’t care much about community. I wish you were here, but I know that one day we’ll be together again, and I have a feeling that you’ll have a snack ready to share.

Love always,

May

thoughts of a little help from above

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

When I went to mass this morning, I learned that today is the Feast of the Guardian Angel. Hearing that made me smile, and made me think of Cyn. Although I don’t consider her my guardian angel - the being who’s been watching over me since I was born - I do believe that Cyn and other dear, departed family and friends keep an eye on me and my loved ones from above.

The other day, our daughter Ava asked me why I sometimes call her “Angel”. So we had a brief discussion about who angels are and what angels do. One of her answers was that angels put her and her sister in my belly before they were born, which is something we’ve taught them. But we also talked about angels being in heaven, having wings, playing in clouds, and watching over you. We also said how angels are special, are sent from heaven, and bring you joy.

So Cynthia and Ava know that Tita Cyn is one of their angels, along with their Grandpa Mike. When she passed away, I remember being quoted in a newspaper article saying that I knew Cyn was “now doing important work as an angel”; and I believe she is. She’s been there for the big moments, like babies being born; and she’s been there for the small moments, like making it to school on time. So today, I’m happy to take a special moment or two to celebrate and appreciate all the angels in my life.

thoughts of a fondness for turtles

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Cyn possessed many gifts and talents. Other posts have talked about her interest and skill in cooking, sports, braiding hair, flower arranging, and other forms of arts and crafts. Below are some pictures of a little turtle magnet that she made while in high school or college.

I believe it is made of some type of molding clay. In terms of actual size, it is about one-and-a-half inches long and a little less than one inch wide. I remember that this magnet, along with a couple of other "Cyn-made" turtles, used to reside on our kitchen refrigerator in our apartment in Culver City.

As far as I know, she didn't make it as part of a class, or for a special occasion, or to serve any specific purpose. Most likely she just made it because she wanted to, because she just felt like it, and she had probably thought to herself that she figured she could make one, and wanted to prove to herself that she could.

Turtles were undoubtedly Cyn's favorite animal. At one time, I believe toward the end of high school, she even had two pet turtles. They were named "Grubb" and "Ellis", after the name of a realty company for which she had been working. So turtles always make me think of Cyn. My sisters and I each have a turtle tatoo in Cyn's honor.

And as for the little magnet, it can usually be found on our refrigerator. But every so often it ends up being played with by our daughters Cynthia and Ava. It makes me think that Cyn is smiling down from heaven saying, "You see, that's really why I made it."

thoughts of a gift of summer

shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister

As the days get shorter and the nights grow colder, I think about the last few days of summer that remain. One of my best loved memories of summer and of Cyn involves a toe ring she gave me on the Santa Monica Pier so many summers ago.

When I visited Cyn, Marlo and Carla the summer before Cyn's sophomore year in college, she gave me a little bitty baggie which held a silver piece of jewelry much too small to fit my littlest finger. I asked her what it was and she said it was a toe ring. When I recently saw one of my hula sisters wearing a toe ring, it made me think of my own.

I can't quite remember if it was that same day or maybe a few days later at the 3rd Street Promenade, but she brought me to the kiosk where she found my toe ring. It was a thin silver band that didn't quite meet in the middle but that had a pair of swirls on both the top left and the bottom right sides. It was slightly flexible, so depending on how fat or skinny your toe was, it could be adjusted accordingly.

So, for that summer and at least the two that followed, I had that small silver adornment for my 2nd toe. I wonder... what ever happened to that toe ring?

thoughts of Oiksh?

shared by Milania Dela Cruz, her friend from high school

I played volleyball with Cynthia throughout our high school days. I always admired her because she played sports throughout the year, was always involved in the student government, and getting excellent grades! "How does she do that??" I would think. But that's how Cynthia would roll! :)

We had nicknames for each other on and off the volleyball court; it was Oiksh. Ha. I don't even know how we came up with that one, but we just kept calling each other Oiksh! "Nice spike Oiksh!" or "Nice serve Oiksh!" People would just look at us thinking..."what did they call each other??" It was awesome.

Every time after our away games, Cynthia, VJ and myself would head to McDonald's for food! She'd always get these cheeseburgers. She loved them! Cynthia is one of the most genuinely kind persons I know to this day. I truly miss her and I know I'll see her again.

Love you Cyn!

thoughts of ... maybe ...

shared by Phi Dang, her friend since junior high school

The first time I heard "Maybe" by Ingrid Michaelson, I immediately thought about Cyn and knew that I had to make a video to this song. I finally found some time in between work, school, and being a new father to finish it this summer. I wish I could tell Cyn about all the things that have happened in my life the past 8 years. She would've been an awesome Auntie to my son, Jonah.

The lyrics to this song are so fitting. I know one day she'll come back and we'll all see her again. Rest in peace old friend. Miss ya.

thoughts of fun-loving babies

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Cindy loved kids. In college, she was involved with several activities mentoring kids, including Bruin Partners and UCLA UniCamp. In high school, she taught CCD/Sunday School for preschool kids at our church, and she often worked as a babysitter for families in the neighborhood.

There are also a lot of cousins in our family, more than 30 of us, and all first cousins. Since our parents are both the first born in their families, my sisters and I are on the older end of the cousins spectrum. So growing up, we always had younger cousins to play with; we would often babysit them and we changed a lot of their diapers.

Just over a month ago, we were blessed with a wonderful new addition to our family. Carla and Mike had a baby girl named Michaela Trinity. With a newborn in the family, it reminded us about how Cyn would often say that she thought babies... were... kind... of... boring. It's a funny, endearing and silly sentiment. She would say that "babies don't really do anything". She enjoyed them much more when they were at least one year old or so, when they were more interactive.

Nowadays, I think that Cyn plays with babies a lot more than she used to. Many people believe that when babies start to randomly laugh or smile, it could be because they are being entertained by the angels that only they can see. I believe that. So I am quite confident that Michaela, along with her older sister and older cousins, have had their fair share of fun times playing with their Tita Cyn.

thoughts of our Tita Cyn

shared by Andrew Beall, her brother-in-law

On May 30, 2003, Marlo woke me up in the very early morning, and not long after we were headed to the hospital in Santa Monica to deliver our first child. At 2:24 pm, a beautiful baby girl entered our lives. It was a great day and one that I'll obviously never forget.

But one memory that I have from that day that I think of often, is the drive from our apartment to the hospital in the early morning hours. Marlo and I were finalizing names for both a boy or a girl. We didn't want to find out before the birth what we were going to have, so we were excited to soon know. We weren't quite decided on what to do if we had a boy. But it was pretty much finalized if we had a girl.

It means a lot to me that my daughter Cynthia is named after her aunt Cindy. There is just about no better role model a person could have than Cindy. Sometimes after someone passes away, people tend to glorify those that have died. What I find very nice about this blog is that it is all true.

Cindy was all of what people have written and more. At some point when they are old enough to understand it fully, I'm looking forward to sharing this blog with Cynthia and her sister Ava. I want them to know their Tita Cyn. I want them to know who she was. From the small moments like she and VJ switching necklaces before prom, to the big moments like when Cindy won her student government election at UCLA.

But I know that Cindy would also want Cynthia to be her own person. I want my daughter to be free to forge her own path. I believe that she will have many of the same qualities of Cindy, but her personality will use them in different ways.

From time to time, I like to look at Cynthia and tell her that she has angel's wings and then playfully dust them off with my hand. She is my angel. And what is great is that I know she's got her very own angel watching over her. I love you and miss you Tita Cyn!

thoughts of chasing lost dogs

shared by Arlene Rabuy, her sister

In the summer of 1998, Cyn and Linh bought a black and white Siberian Husky from a breeder. His official name was Nanook of the Aurora Borealis, but we just called him Nanook; and he was Cyn's dog. When Cyn left for college, I took over caring for Nanook.

He was a happy dog that loved people, especially kids. I thought he had run away one day, but I eventually found him walking with a kid to his bus stop the next morning. He was a little mischievous too, evidenced by a couple of trips I had to make to animal services to bail him out. He was a true people dog with a free spirit... not unlike his "mom".

Nanook left us in February of 2004. I'm guessing that these days, he can be found happily frolicking around somewhere with Cyn.

thoughts of skills with flowers

shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister

Cyn was talented at a lot of things. She could braid hair beautifully, and the team of Cyn and Linh could cook up one mean lasagna. One of her talents that was probably less shined upon was her skill with flower arrangement.

For my high school graduation in June of 2000, I wanted a crown of flowers to adorn my graduation cap, just as I had seen on one of the graduates at Carla's UCLA graduation the year prior. I wasn't sure how to put one together, so Cyn got about 50 or 60 rose buds in my school colors -- yellow roses for gold and sterling roses for purple -- and made me the most beautiful and unique 'crown' of flowers.

That same weekend, Cyn and I flew together to LA for Marlo's second graduation from UCLA, this time for her Master's degree. Cyn waited to travel with me, instead of going with the family the day before, so I could attend my Grad Nite. Our flight was super early in the morning and I remember we each had two dozen roses for our carry-on item. I'm sure that Cyn put together some nice arrangements when we made it to LA.

thoughts of waffle taboo

shared by Angelica Bernabe, her childhood friend

I had a moment today where I just laughed out loud and thought of Cyn. I was having brunch with my new husband, Mikey, when I ordered a nice, warm waffle.

Thoughts rushed back to me of us playing Taboo, one of our fave games to play, where you have to get your team to guess what the word you picked out is (from a stack of cards), without saying any of the hints that were already pre-written out. Well, it was my turn to try and give hints and my word was "waffle". Beneath it were words like: pancake, syrup, butter, toast, and breakfast. I couldn't think of a word at all. I was completely flabbergasted.

Time was running out and all I could blurt out was, "I cut it into nine squares!" (and it came out more like a shriek really). And her reaction was just hilarious. She looked at me incredulously and asked, "How am I supposed to know what you cut into nine squares?"

We burst into laughter at how ridiculous my hint was (because I thought all people cut their waffles into nine squares, but apparently not in this household). I shake my head at the memory of this because simple moments of silliness like these stand out most when I think of her.

thoughts of prom night fun

shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister

It may be because the academic year is coming to a close, or because I've been seeing special mega-issues of magazines at the drugstore, or because Disney is coming out with a movie...but this time of year gets me thinking of PROM!!

I can still remember my first prom. It was actually Cyn's Junior Prom and I was invited as a freshman. I think it was because I was an underclassman, or maybe it was because the boy who asked me, Adriel, was best friends with Chris, who asked my best friend, Carolyn; but that first prom I went to was the most fun and most memorable prom or dance I attended in all of high school.

One thing that made it so special was the questionnaire Cyn generated and had her 50 closest friends fill out. It was complete with expectations for the night (romantic, platonic, wild and crazy!), what kind of restaurant to go to (going all-out, staying on a budget, or finding something in between), what people wanted to do post-prom (crash at someone's house/cabin, have a bonfire, go to Denny's), and what kind of arrangement people wanted to make for pre-prom picture taking (because 20-30 couples worth of people in front of someone's lawn or in front of a stretch limo on the street just would not do).

In the end, the friends who filled out the questionnaire - along with their dates - gathered atop the parking garage at New Park Mall to take one large group shot. There must have been at least 30 couples easily. I was included because Adriel and Chris were both friends of Cyn. It takes a very organized person to get 60 people together at one place and direct them to pose for a picture. This kind of thing came easily to Cyn. It's like she could do it with minimal effort.

I didn't see Cyn much during the night, but just knowing she was there made it special for me. I do remember that I unknowingly took the necklace she was planning on wearing and she quickly found me on the garage rooftop and made the switch. It turned out for the better because the silver turtle necklace she had on matched perfectly with my dress. And she wasn't mad that I took the necklace, just relieved she found it in time.

My images of high school are all a blur now, being 11 years out and all, but it is nice to know a few memories still remain. I'm always happy when these moments include my big sister, Cyn.

thoughts of signs of new life

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Since Easter is one of those holidays that doesn't fall on the same day every year, it was sometimes hard to find a way to celebrate with family, especially while in college. Oftentimes Spring Break coincided with Holy Week, and sometimes it didn't.

I remember one Spring Quarter while Cindy was at UCLA and I was either in grad school or working, we decided at the very last minute to fly home for Easter. I have a couple of vivid memories of us driving home from campus discussing how we could go ahead and just go home, and then of us hopping on the computer to book our flights. I recall that it was one of those "why not?!" moments, when we heard ourselves saying that we wanted to go home, and then suddenly realizing that we should just do it.

When we were younger, my sisters and I would participate in the Children's Mass on Easter Sunday. We would either sing in the choir, be one of the readers, or even play a role in the Gospel reenactment. One of our favorite choir songs, I think it was called "Signs of New Life" or something close to that, was always fun to sing because it was sung in the repeat/echo style, and there were subtle hand gestures that went along with the lyrics.

A butterfly
An Easter egg
A fountain flowing in the park
These are signs of new life
The life of Jesus the Lord

And we sing to Him Alleluia
We give to Him our praise
And we sing to Him Alleluia
Glory be to Him
Glory be to Jesus the Lord

Every year I still break into this song at some point during Easter. My sisters and I will sing it together... loudly... laughing... giggling. I think rolling your hand up and down like mimicking water in a fountain is our favorite hand gesture. And like so many silly, wonderful, childhood memories, it makes us think of Cyn and smile while holding back tears.

thoughts of dancing in heaven

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

This is one of my all-time favorite photos. Cindy is dancing with Andrew's dad, Grandpa Mike, on the restaurant patio at our wedding reception. I love everything about it...especially the fun-filled expressions on their faces and the fact that they really are dancing.

Grandpa Mike passed away in January 2005. At that time, it was comforting to think that Cindy was there to welcome him into heaven. Since then, whenever I see or think of this photo, I envision that this is one of the ways that Cindy and Grandpa Mike spend some of their time...having fun, just dancing in heaven.

Please click here and here, if you would like to view the photo collages that were posted at this time last year.

thoughts of Woodsey-family love

shared by Michelle "Feather" Tessier, her friend from college

I first got to know "Snoopy" from UniCamp, through her sisters Marlo (Moonlight) and Carla (Poison Ivy). I came from a family where love was unusually expressed with sarcasm and criticism, and I entered UCLA feeling that that was a "normal" way of acting toward the people you love.

I met a lot of wonderful people through LCC and UniCamp, but the Rabuy sisters with their sincerity and care for each other taught me so much through their example. Their outward show of affection and love taught me that there are softer, sweeter ways of expressing how we feel about each other. I am deeply grateful for having witnessed their example and having been a friend to them during college.

When I think of Snoopy, my memories of her connect to feelings of how she inspired the people around her to love and comfort one another. She was vivacious and strong. She was as a counselor, and eventually a camp leader. And she infused her love and warm sense of humor into everything. Thank you Snoopy and thank you Rabuy sisters for showing me how to love.

thoughts of more fun-filled madness

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Last year, I posted a blog entry about our family's tradition of competing in a bracket challenge for March Madness. Well, it's that time of year again...and our tradition is still going strong. In honor of this year's Big Dance, here's a photo of the bracket that Cindy created in 2003.

thoughts of a capsized canoe

shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister

I remember my first experience of floating down a river in a canoe. I had been on a boat before, speedboats in beautiful Lake Tahoe, and on a fishing trip; but the first time I went canoeing, I was in a canoe with my sister Cyn.

We were on a weekend trip with Arlene and some of the members of the youth group from our church. We would have our food on the grill, such as barbeque and corn, and we would play Mindtrap at night. I remember that I forgot to pack an extra pair of pants and I only had one pair of shorts for the entire weekend.

On the only full day of our trip, Cyn and I teamed up to travel down the Russian River in a canoe. I remember thinking that paddling would be easier than it actually was, and I recall getting pretty tired after a couple of hours.

It was a long canoe trip and at one point I tried to put my one pair of shorts back on after they dried from the sun. I stood up in the canoe to do so, then we tipped!! Our whole boat capsized!!

It was a fun adventure because two kind men helped us and got our boat right side up. It was a great first canoeing experience and Cyn thought it was funny.

thoughts of random friendly reminders

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Yesterday I read an article about a college basketball player whose jersey was going to be retired on his senior night. And I thought, that's pretty cool. When I saw the picture that accompanied the story, it made me smile because - in addition to the player looking like a nice, talented, young man - his jersey number was 22. And that reminded me of Cyn...because she was a basketball player and fan, and her birthdate is the 22nd.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of Cyn, usually several times a day. So it's always fun to come across random things or occurrences, like this story, that make me think of her in that given moment.

As I read more about the player, I learned that the reason he wears #22 is because it was how old his brother was when he died unexpectedly and tragically. So sometimes, there are times when that small reminder feels a little less random; and I like to believe that those are instances when it's just Cyn's clever and subtle way of sending out a little "Hi there!" from above.

thoughts of Cyn's "favorite" color

shared by Arlene Rabuy, her sister

Growing up as one of five children, we were each assigned a particular cup color. I remember there being a set of four Tupperware tumblers in the colors of orange, yellow, green and blue. I distinctly remember

"C I N D Y" written in all capital letters with a black marker on the yellow tumbler. Because of that tumbler, my sisters and I consistently assigned yellow as Cyn's favorite color, whether she liked it or not.

thoughts of bike riding and broken bones

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

When Cindy was young, she broke one of her ankles. I say "when she was young" because I don't remember exactly how old she was when it happened. My best guess is that she was between four and seven years old. I wish I was more certain about the specifics of everything that happened, but I honestly just can't remember; and I apologize to my parents and sisters if aspects of this story are incorrect...

My sisters and I were riding bikes with our neighbors. Growing up, we had a lot of fun with the kids in our neighborhood, as there were about four families that each had at least three kids around the same age as each other. Cindy and I were riding our neighbor's bike up their driveway. I was pedaling and she was sitting behind me, with her arms wrapped around my waist. For one reason or another, we fell to one side; and Cindy, the bike and I all toppled onto the concrete driveway.

It didn't appear as though either of us was seriously hurt at first. But somehow, Cindy's foot managed to get caught between the spokes of the back tire. I want to say that she was crying, having just fallen off a bike and having that bike land on top of her, but I don't recall her being too upset or it being too difficult to keep her calm. Between all the kids that were around, we managed to convince her that she was fine, and - more importantly - to not tell our parents what had happened.

Later that day, back at home, one of our parents noticed that Cindy was not walking "quite right". Rather than walking, she was more so hopping around, and she had trouble getting up the stairs. So our parents proceeded to examine her feet, her legs, and her ankles, and they could tell that something indeed was wrong. I think my sisters and I tried to convince them that she seemed just fine. In the end, the truth was revealed, Cindy got a cast, and the rest of us got in a lot of trouble.

thoughts of a one-of-a-kind wedding gift

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Another special item that comes to mind when I think of gifts from Cyn is one she made for me and Andrew for our wedding day; she made the pillow that was carried by our ring and coin bearer. She had the idea to decorate the pillow by embroidering the caricature of me and Andrew that we had used for both our invitations and programs.

I specifically remember that we talked to her about not wanting her to go to too much trouble, that sewing on the image would not be necessary to do. But she insisted, saying it was something that she wanted to do, that it would be fun, and basically "no problem". As usual, as with all her innovative and unique arts and crafts projects, the pillow turned out beautifully.