Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Dylou and I were more than just Cousines Germaines (First Cousins). We were Sisters. Whenever we saw each other, she would say that she and I "were switched at birth", because she was more like my mother and I was more like her mother - both in looks and in temperament. This perception AND reality formed a special bond between us. Dylou loved her family, and I was happy and proud to be counted among this special group. That is why, over the decades, no matter where I was in the world, she and Tante Loula (my Godmother), like my parents, were always on my list of the people I had to see every year. In her own reserved way, she would share thoughts, feelings and situations that affected her, and the trust we shared further solidified our bond. My world was simply a happier place knowing that Dyliane Lespinasse was a part of it. Her generosity, which manifested itself in a myriad ways, always felt and appeared effortless. One meaningful instance is when my beloved mother passed away. She was instrumental in ensuring that the arrangements were made. The simple fact is that I could not have done it without her. For this, and many other reasons, I will always be grateful to my Dear Cousin. Dylou, your passing has left a void, not only in my life, but in the life of all those you loved and cared about. Not having you around is difficult to grasp at this time, but I know that you are part of the ancestral family that will continue to watch over us. I miss you!
