When I was growing up in Ohio, all of my Aunts and Uncles lived far away. The "GaiLees" - my Aunty Gail and Uncle Lee lived closest, and perhaps because we saw them most often, they were my favorites. Occasionally we visited them in Pennsylvania. Much more often they would visit us, especially at Christmas. The visits were always a treat.
Somehow, Gail seemed a special individual. She reminded me of fine china which needs and deserves special care and respect. If I misbehaved with her I would feel especially ashamed of my callousness.
In spite of my perception of her fragility, Gail (along with Leland) visited our family numerous times at the far end of Little Silver Lake in Ontario, Canada. I did not think of Gail as a person who would chose to camp out, and sleep in a tent, and count on the skill of those who are out fishing to put dinner on the table. But she did all that, and she also went in the boat with a fishing rod in hand to contribute to the evening fare.
Ever since I can remember, the big cove just across the lake from our campsite was called "Gail's Cove" for the time she hooked a really big bass there. One year Aunt Gail and Uncle Lee even brought the venerable Mrs. Cowan (Gail's mother) along to our vacation spot. I realize now what a huge act of spirit and toughness that actually was!
I will especially remember my Aunt Gail for this kind of spirit. She showed me how civility, politeness, and consideration for others can be perfect companions to a great toughness of spirit, and zest for life.
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