When I think of Norma, I think of how she embraced life fully. I think too of the legacy of scientist/writer Rachel Carson and her book A Sense of Wonder because Norma lived that sense of wonder and shared it with those around her.
The first time I met Norma, was at a picnic of several families. In a stream of conversation I remembered her saying that she needed a new kitchen floor, but that would not be installed because more important was their desire to travel with Dawn and Lisa who were young girls at the time. I was impressed.
I have many memories of special times with Norma. Another memory when she shared a sense of wonder was when she took my daughters Lori and Erin and me tramping through the woods near their home on Trestle Road in Highland to teach us about spring plants and flowers—showing us the May Apples and the Jack in the Pulpit and the Trillium—all new to us.
And she more recently shared that sense of wonder right here in Granville when Erin and Rebecca and I came to visit. We walked the bike path, spotting the deer, checking out the community garden, and even seeing the neighborhood skunk—not to mention the many birds and plants that always thrived in her presence.
We parted after learning the latest card games, and we play them all year long—always remembering the fun times we had around her table. We played “hand and foot” last weekend as part of our tribute to her. I have shared books, quotes, tears, laughter, wine and many cups of tea with Norma through the past 30 or so years. We discovered that cranberry tea never tastes so good alone as it does when shared with a dear friend. I will miss her so.
-- Donna Singleton, long-time friend from Highland, IL
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