Gus 'n' Gavin

First Love

So, Father's Day is almost here, again. It's time to pay tribute to our men. We are blessed with good ones. After all, family matters most. 

It saddens me that my Dad has missed so much. Thank G-d he celebrated the births of Brian and Christian, with us. But they were so little, when he died. I try my damnedest to keep his memory alive. It's tough, though, for my kids to relate, let alone my Grands, his Greats. Nonetheless, sometimes my efforts take hold.

During a sleepover, last winter, Gavin was busting me about having second choice of rooms to sleep in. Aubs put dibs in first, choosing Uncle Christian's room.

"But, Honey," said I, " this is your Daddy's room. Look at some of the things still hanging around!"

With serious contemplation, Gav checked out various items, and then asked, "Who was your Daddy, G'ma."

"My Daddy is your Great G'pa Gus, who sadly died before you were born. Thank you so much for asking, Honey."

"I'd like to see Great G'pa Gus's picture."

"Okay; in the morning I'll show you lots of pictures. He's even framed on walls, so that'll be easy."

"I want to see now, G'ma."

"No, Honey; in the morning. Sweet dreams; G-d bless;
 I love you."

"I love you, too, G'ma."

"So, you think you
can dance?" 

Need I tell you the first words tumbling from those pretty little lips, when morning rolled around? Photos and stories ensued, and an indelible memory of Great G'pa Gus was born. Moving along...

About six months later, we were celebrating Easter Sunday. I brought along a vintage treasure, by way of a handmade wooden rabbit with alabaster egg. I gave it to the children, with instructions to take good care of it. Mom was with us, of course, and I explained to them that she and their Great G'pa had given it to their Daddy when he was a tiny baby, for his first Easter. I further told them that Uncle Christian hadn't yet been born... that's how long ago it was. They listened attentively, and then, Gavin looked at me and blurted out:

"I miss Great G'pa Gus."

My heart swelled; Mom was flabbergasted. My two G-Men are bonded, after all. Actually, I can feel the bond between all of my Good Men. Happy Father's Day, Joe, Brian and Christian. I love you.

♡

Nicki - Loving Wife, Mother, Grandma and Friend

Nicki C. Soller of Rock Hill, NY, was born on July 16, 1946, and passed on December 25, 2016.  We envision her waltzing once again with her hero and father, Gus Firemark, and sharing all the latest family stories and recipes with her Mom, Marguerite Firemark, both of whom await her spirit at the gates of heaven.

Here to hold her forever in their hearts is her loving husband of 50 years, Joseph Soller; her sons (whom she commonly referred to as her “suns”), Brian and Christian Soller, her daughters-in-law Kelly Soller and Dawn MacKillop-Soller; her beautiful “GrandLoves”, Aubrey, Hunter, Gavin, Chloe and Lyla; brother Ron Firemark, sister-in-law Mary Firemark; nieces Kimberly, Vicki and Alex Firemark; and nephew Lucas Firemark.

She was born in Brooklyn and was raised in Massapequa, NY spending summers at her family’s bungalow at Mountain Lake Camps in Wurtsboro, NY. She would meet the love of her life, Joe, while spending a summer day at Masten Lake.

Married to Joe in 1966, Nicki left her job at Twentieth Century Fox in NYC to “move to the mountains”. In the early years of their marriage, she was employed by the law offices of Kesten and Ledina in Monticello, NY.  Her true calling, however, came upon the birth of her sons.  She was always proud to say that there was no job more important than that of raising her family.

Nicki loved art and music and was the consummate Neil Diamond fan. She was a gifted photographer and writer and maintained a blog (Color Me Inspired) of all the things that she cherished - family, friends, nature, cooking, the beach and her beloved dog Mambo.

Her last year was spent at Wanaksink Lake, a move that she loved. She treasured the ever-changing beauty of the landscape, eagles, nature and mostly kayaking out to the quiet side of the lake with Joe.

Funeral services were private. Family and friends look forward to the summer for a celebration of her amazing life that is impossible to summarize in just a few words.  If one is so inclined, please donate to a favorite charity, in her memory.

Go in peace, Mom, we love you!

“Do not grieve for me, as I have lived a charmed life and have so much love around me!” –Nicki

M♡M

Marguerite M. Firemark of Rock Hill, NY, affectionately known as “Nan,” was born on May 1, 1919, and passed on Sunday, October 28th, 2012, soaring to Heaven’s gates on strong winds of “The Perfect Storm,” during a time when the northeast nearly stood still. Already, we envision her with the soulmate and love of her life, Gus Firemark, who surely awaited her arrival with a cup of coffee in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. They are together, once again. Her parents, Nicholas and Mary Maniaci Trerotola, and siblings, Nunz, Frank and Vee, receive her spirit, as well.

Here to hold her forever in their hearts are loving children, Joe and Nicki Firemark Soller and Ron and Mary Firemark; adoring GrandLoves, Brian and Kelly Soller, Christian and Dawn Soller, Kim, Vicki, Alex and Lucas Firemark; precious GreatGrandLoves, Keith Firemark-Oberland, Aubrey, Hunter, Gavin, Chloe and Lyla Soller; extended family members and long-faithful friends.

While Marge’s outer beauty leant itself well to a career in cosmetology, her inner beauty was exemplified in her role as Matriarch of our family. “Hospitality” was the name of her game, and gourmet meals would appear for unexpected guests only moments after their arrival. Her pasta sauce was legendary and shall never be replicated. Clearly, hers was the best restaurant in town.

Funeral services were private. Family and friends now look forward to Spring and a celebration of an awesome life that is impossible to summarize in just a few words. If one is so inclined, please donate to a favorite charity, in her memory.

Go in peace, Mom, swathed in eternal love... 

“And in the end

The love you take

Is equal to the love you make.” 

(Lennon-McCartney)

(Obituary, as it will appear in the Middletown TIMES HERALD-RECORD)

Pages From My Dad's Life ♥

So, today is Great Grandpa Gus's birthday - my Dad. Like Gavin, I sure do miss (link) Great Grandpa Gus. I thought to take a page or two from his life, to share here on CMI. The war days. With Dad overseas, my very young Mom diligently kept the photos. The stories Dad told me repeatedly, at my request, are harbored here. The old and tattered album is a treasure trove of memories. Please left double-click on photos for a closer view.

The Belgian family. These were Dad's friends; they sheltered him and his compadres with love, grounding them for the hopeful return to their own cherished ones. You know, I feel my Dad's presence here, right now, as I wish I could say, "Daddy, please tell me about your friends, again."

Then, there is the picture of movie-star-gorgeous Mom that she had taken at Eva's Farm, right near our current home. Upon receipt, Dad had it cropped and reproduced to the amazing result seen here.

The apart years. They've become far too long, since he again left us in 1976. But still, he is such an integral part of me. I love him so much. Today, I'll bake chocolate cake. 

A Birthday. Forever in my heart and soul... images embedded in my mind.

♥