Comment from Heather Knight

Exceptional

This is incredibly beautiful and moving. You made me like your cousin so much and you also made me like you for writing about her so kindly.
Thanks for a lovely read.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Thank you, Maria, for your generous, six star review of my "incredibly beautiful and moving" eulogy. You are quite an accomplished writer yourself. Keep it up.

Comment from robyn corum

Exceptional

Andre,

What a beautiful eulogy of a dear friend and cousin! I can imagine that there was not a dry eye in the house when you read this and then played this video. What a wonderful friend you are!

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Yes, Robyn, it was like Gina speaking from the grave when I read the "beautiful eulogy" and then played the video. A dancer, Gina had staged her final farewell. I am glad I was able to help send her off. Thank you for your generous, six star review.

Comment from jpduck

Excellent

What an astonishingly lovely human being Gina was/is. I loved the profound way you shared her experience through your own. Very well done.


Adrian

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Oct-2016

Thank you, Adrain, for your generous review. Yes, Gina was and is astonishing.

Comment from Thomas Bowling

Excellent

Touching tribute to a wonderful person. So full of life and taken far too soon. But like Bogey said, "We'll always have Puerto Vallarta."

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Oct-2016

Yes, Thomas, "We'll always have Puerto Vallarta." Thank you for your review.

Comment from humpwhistle

Excellent

My condolences, Andre.

This is a moving remembrance.
You start one sentence with 'My knowledge' referring
to Gina's impending death. I wonder if 'Our knowledge'
might be more accurate.
I didn't know how the story would end,
and when I found out, I felt that line had misled me.

I know this piece has special meaning to you.
I'm reacting only as a writer.

Peace, Lee



She became a human kite.--Just a style thing, but I'd lop 'She became'.

Seagulls flew past her. --Likewise, I'd lop 'her'. Give your readers (listeners) credit for 'seeing' what you see.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Oct-2016

Thank you, Lee, for your generous review and style change suggestions. I corrected two out of three but retained the "My knowledge" because it accurately reflects what I felt at the time and still feel.

Thank you for your condolences. I am glad you found my remembrance moving.

Comment from Mary Wakeford

Exceptional

What a beautiful eulogy you delivered for your cousin, and what a remarkable story you have related as to her journey. The history of the lore of the city and beach only added to the stark reminder of Gina's sailing. Absolutely beautiful image for her to gift you with. Truly remarkable read, Andre. You have a wonderful heart. I am sorry for the loss of your cousin.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Oct-2016

Yes, Mary, it is stunning that Gina's parasailing took place at what had once been a cemetery. Part of my job as a storyteller is to be aware of the history of places to find correlations between the past and present. Thank you for your generous, six star review. Thank you also for your condolences.

Comment from nomi338

Excellent

What an incredible act of love to leave a visual testimony of a life lived not in fear or resignation, but a triumph. I may be leaving but I am doing so on my terms. Fists raised in defiance, Death, you have nothing of which to be proud. I leave for all to see, you are not so fearsome or tough. you are just a bully. I love the entire feel and vibe of this inspiring story. Good for you and and your dear late cousin. I am sure that she lives on in your memory.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Thank you, nomi338, for your generous review. I am glad that you "love the entire feel and vibe of this inspiring story." Yes, Gina lives on in my memory. Her message to us is how we should live our lives everyday. Thanks again.

Comment from winnona

Excellent

A well-written piece. I am glad Gina got to have this experience before she had to leave. The words told of a wonderful experience and of a beautiful young woman whose life was cut short.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Oct-2016

Yes, Winona, I am glad Gina had this experience and that I was able to share it. Thank you for your review.

Comment from jlsavell

Exceptional

Sis Cat, as only you could do. What a beautiful spirit is this incredible woman and you, you are the consummate gift of friendship and heart. There is not much I can even say except I am moved by this exceptional story and experience, This is a true gift that every one should read and watch. It will evoke one to rethink their life and what is truly important...may all of you be comforted in the peace in which Gina graced your life then and graces your life now.. jimi

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Oct-2016

Yes, Jimi, the way Gina confronted life and death "will evoke one to rethink their life and what is truly important." You are right, only I could have pulled off that eulogy. Her friends had either left Puerto Vallarta or had remained by the resort pool. That left me holding her bag and her trust to tell her story. Thank you for your generous, six star review and for your comforting words of peace.

Comment from crybry67

Excellent

This is really an amazing memorial to your cousin, and a testament from her as to how we should live. She knew the legacy she wanted to leave, and you played your part beautifully. Wonderful job!

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Oct-2016

Thank you, crybry67, for your generous review. Yes, I played my part in helping my cousin be remembered. Thanks.