Comment from braden.savage2000

Exceptional

So beautiful! My condolences for your loss... death is difficult. However, you portrayed this in such an incredibly moving way, and focused on the beauty of life, that it seemed delicate and entirely tender. Congratulations, please keep writing. I look forward to seeing more from you.
Best wishes,

Braden

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Oct-2016

Yes, Braden, when a dying person asks me to tag along to hold her purse during her parasail flight, I knew I had to pay attention. She wanted a video and she wanted a witness. I also opened myself up to all of the inspiration around me from the former Mayan cemetery to Bo Derek in order to put her experience in context. It was her fondest dream for me to keep telling stories.

Thank you for your generous, six star review.

reply by braden.savage2000 on 04-Oct-2016

You're very welcome. :)

Comment from Day Z Chayn

Excellent

Wonderful tribute, Andre.

I'd say here that cancer gave Gina the wings and freedom to fly. I would also tell you that each person has a place in his or her heart for a "playa del muerte"to help us remember our favorite people with which we journeyed and traveled together in this life.

I'll bet she wore that yellow bikini so Icarus could see her as he fell out of the sky, away from the sun and into the ocean with a resounding [plop].

I bet she's the only person you know who came close to the sun (as well as the 'Son of God) who didn't get burned. I hope you've never said to her, "See? I told you so."

Ever grateful, (while learning to fly)

Shane

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Oct-2016

Yes, Shane, in an odd way, that cancer gave her the courage and the freedom to fly. I think her greater message is that we should live our lives like this everyday without without the bugaboo of cancer making us race to our bucket list. Yes, "each person has a place in his or her heart for a 'Playa de los Muerte.'" These mythic journeys have a lot to teach us. Thank you for your review.

Comment from ronnie k

Excellent

Thank you allowing me too share what reads as a time of a life time. This tribute can only come from unchangeable love, memories, if all we have, could be nothing better. The last three lines amazing for it gave no sadness of death just goodbye see you again. God BLESS YOU rest in peace GINA

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Oct-2016

Yes, Ronnie, the last three lines were amazing. When you lose someone close to you, it may encourage you to put in words what that person meant to you. I am thrilled that I succeeded with this tribute. Thank you for your review. God bless you, too.

Comment from giraffmang

Exceptional

Hi Andre,

A beautifully written piece and a fine tribute. not overplayed, but yet the imagery is stunning and affecting.

Gina flew through the air so long - should probably have a clear line before this.

All the best
G

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Thank you, G., for your generous, six star review and for your space corrections. I am glad you found this to be "A beautifully written piece and a fine tribute. not overplayed, but yet the imagery is stunning and affecting." Thanks again.

Comment from oliver818

Exceptional

What a beautiful and personal story. It's very touching and moving. I'm terrible sorry about your
Cousin but you have created a wonderful memory for her here. Thanks for sharing!

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Thank you, oliver818, for your generous, six star review. I am glad you found this personal story to be "very touching and moving." Thank you also for your condolences.

Comment from I am Cat

Exceptional

Andre,
this is very touching. It shows the great care you have/had for your cousin, Gina.
Wonderfully told, and the videos were awesome. I loved seeing her being brought in, and of course, I always love to hear you! ;)
Great to read you again.

Gina is going on a test flight of Heaven.
(poignant!)

WEll done, Andre! And good luck!
Cat

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Thank you, Cat, for your generous, six star review. Only I could have pulled off such a eulogy. I am glad that you found it touching and poignant. Thanks again.

Comment from frierajac

Exceptional

As fine a eulogy as I have ever read. It is a story that seems fitting as the
black goddess and the various Mayan acouterments in the stage dressing as
very fine. I am sorry I can't say about the videos. It seems to defeat the notion of sorrow as she is participating in her own apotheosis.

 Comment Written 03-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Yes, frierajac, Gina's parasailing was quite an event in her life. She was dying. She wanted to get a taste of the next world while ensuring that the world she leaves behind remembers her. Yes, she very much participated in her own apotheosis. Thank you for your generous, six star review.

Comment from CEO2020

Excellent

Very beautiful tribute. I can picture Gina, and feel her moments in the story. I didn't watch the video because I didn't want to infringe on the vision I already have of her. My favorite piece of writing in this story:

"...In my dream, the two of us walk the beach. She stops. My mind reverses the parasailing film I shot of her. Instead of Gina landing on the beach, she ascends without aid of parachute or motorboat. She rises from the sand like a released yellow balloon. I could neither stop nor join her journey. "Don't worry," she calls down to me, "I'll be fine."

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Yes, CEO2020, the daydreams I had after my cousin's transition kept playing in my mind and in my imagination. I decided to incorporate what I dreamed and felt. I am glad it resonated with you. Thank you for your review.

Comment from Heidi M

Exceptional

This is beautifully written! Your descriptions are excellent; I could picture it even before I watched the video.
One of my favorite lines: '...the dangled dot beneath it grew to a figure.'
Lovely tribute to Gina; well-deserved six stars for you.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Thank you, Heidi, for your generous, six star review of my "lovely tribute to Gina." I appreciate it.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I enjoyed reading about Gina'a flight and I'm glad you were able to be there for her and I know her family and friends loved this story.

Archeologists (Archaeologists)

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Oct-2016

Thank you, Barbara, for your review and spelling correction. I will make it. Once again, thanks.