A life well lived

[dalyduo]

Nadine Sachs Zimet - March 4th, 1915 - February 17th, 2009

My mother-in-law was a kind and generous spirit who didn't fit any of the stereotypes. She had a great sense of humor, highly driven curiosity and a warm engaging manner. Countless family dinners in the summer with Julia running in from the tree swing. She taught us how to breathe and be together as family.

Sad to report she was called back this morning to tend her garden at a distant but much improved location.

An avid tennis player, she schooled me on the finer points of the game by running me all over the court when I was 41 and she was 79. She even put Paul Newman's endurance to shame by playing until she was almost 90.

Nadine (along with Vicki and her sister Alice) sponsored the event that changed my life dramatically for the good almost 6 years ago. They bought me a 3-day SBRS racing school. I'll never adequately be able to express my gratitude for that.

While piloting Nadine through some twisty back roads in France in a Renault 1.9 rental years ago I noticed she kept glancing at the speedometer. We'd just been discussing my enjoyment of spirited driving and I became concerned that my enjoyment might have moved outside her comfort zone. After several glances I finally asked if my driving was making her nervous. "No" She replied, "I just realized it's not that you're going that fast... It's that you don't slow down for the corners." We both laughed as she'd totally gotten it.

She came up just short of 94 years and except for this past week her only days in hospital were the 3 times she gave birth and having her appendix out.

May we all live as long and healthy a life as she did.

Raise a glass for Nadine... To a life very well lived.

[Jim Pace]

Thanks for sharing Pat! "Well lived", what a great description.
We should all be so lucky to be around those that love us until the end.
JP

[Slowhands]

Pat, thanks for sharing an inspiring and uplifting story. I know it was wonderful to experience a person like that first hand. A life well lived is the best gift possible.

[WatertownNewbie]

Pat, thank you for posting this. Nadine has chuckled about your cornering again, no doubt. From your words it is clear the emotion that you felt over this event, and the TJR family throws a hug in your direction. Comfort can come in a variety of forms. Please pass along my condolences to Vicki and Julia too.

[oldredracer]

The good ones are hard to come by. When they enter our lives, we are blessed. You, Nadine and your family are in our prayers tonite, Pat.

[cdh]

Sorry to hear this Pat, I know how much you helped her over the years, a sad loss but her life was very full, my condolences.

[GEORGE]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your pain is greater because you had so much to lose with her passing. Such a wonderful life, surrounded by appreciative family.
Oh, that we should all be so lucky to have known a life like that.
My condolences to your whole family.

[Tireman]

Our sincerest condolences Pat to you and your family. Her life and outlook appears to have had all of the right balance, perspective as well as a healthy dose of family love and support.

We share in our own way your loss, and we celebrate her life.

Viz

[jcraige]

Sorry to hear the news, Pat but she had a full life and had the pleasure of wonderful family. Please pass along our condolences to Vicki and Julia.

I will raise a glass for her tonight. To a life very well lived. Jim and Les

[PFS]

My condolences for this sad news, Pat. I can tell from your post that the pain of her loss is not overwhelming the joy of having had her in your life. You'll always have the memories, and it sounds like there are some great ones!
Pete

[wbs]

In a few paragraphs, Pat, you've painted a picture of a beautiful person. I can feel how your life was that much richer for knowing her, and I can tell the same must be true for everyone she touched.

[rslonaker]

Beautifully expressed Pat. Taking the last checker should be celebrated, you only get to do it once.
My thoughts to you, Vicki and Julia.