Monday, July 1, 2024
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I first met Vicki when my cousin Raymond started dating her. Seems Ray would take the train to Miami and Vic was the nurse . (they had nurses on trains then.) I was a child and was in Miami with my parents on a winter holiday. When they were married, I was about 6 or 7. and I have a photo of my Mother and Father and me in front of the Church. I think my Sister, Marilyn was in the wedding party. I also remember going to see them off on their honeymoon aboard the Andrea Doria. When they returned we all went to see the movies Ray took. Seems he thought if he moved the camera fast he could get more in.
Enter Ramona. I remember her playing on our porch at the Lake. When she was learning to speak Ray would prompt her to say things about Vicki. I will not repeat what he taught her. Our families were so close in those days and I remember Vicki's southern accent and her saying eye talian! Years later I was teaching at Our Lady of the Lake in Mt. Arlington where they lived and had Donna and then Dolores as students. Vick would tease me that is why they were terrible in Math! The years passed and those days in Florida were just a memory. There are many stories Ray used to tell, one about trying to fix my Father up with a friend of Vicki's as a joke on my Mother. Dad was scared and it never took place! I don't think Vic was in on the joke.
The years passed and weddings and funerals followed along with Christmas get togethers. Vickie gave as good as it gets to Raymond and the laughs were many. I especially remember Them coming to the beach to visit my Sister. They had just come from the lawyers were Ray made his will. The story she told about him taking hours to sign it were hilarious. Her comment about finally knowing what he was worth led to the statement, "You are never taking me to a diner again!"
I always loved them and the girls. When Ray passed away we were at the grave and she told me about who was buried nearby so Ray could be in good company. Now she joins him once more and I am sure that reunion will be memorable . Thank for all the stories and laughs, never to be equaled.
Love, Rocky
