I got to know Sylvia later in her life, through my dear friendship with Dave and Robin. I'm so glad I was able to get to know Sylvia! One thing that struck me everytime I was around her was her 1000-mega-watt smile! It was radiant and powerful. Her smile lit up her entire face, and the whole room. She was battling memory issues around the time I got to know her, but her courage, strength and bravery in the face of these tough challenges was so evident. I was struck by her strength, tenacity and efforts to live joyfully, without ever giving up, in the face of this.
She was tiny in stature, but so mighty in her presence, attitude and fortitude. She truly inspired me. Another thing I loved about Sylvia and saw reflected in the wonderful pictures shared in this album, is her unwavering dedication and devotion to her family. She dearly loved each one of you, and was your cheerleader and champion. I know she will continue to cheer each one of you on throughout your lives. She will always love you and be proud of you. And the thing that brought a huge smile to me as I enjoyed the pictures of Sylvia and family, was the nearly constant presence of a Golden Retriever by her side, looking up adoringly at her, happily smiling, tongues lolling :) the way these loveable goofballs do. Early in our friendship/sisterhood, Robin and I quickly bonded over our unabating & unabashed love for Goldies. Robin often recounted how Sylvia's love for these beautiful, funny creatures was the catalyst for her own love for them. Sylvia's soft spot for these amazing dogs was one more thing that cemented my warm feelings and endeared Sylvia to me. Lastly, I have Vermonters in my family too and I adore that Sylvia's roots were in the Green Mountain state. Vermonters are very special people, and I was delighted that Sylvia and I shared that connection. My heart is with you, Robinson/Agrawal/Doyle fam as you go through these next days, weeks and months adjusting to the "new normal". I'm glad you have each other to lean on, and to continue to keep Sylvia alive in your conversations, warm rememberances and fun future family adventures. Don't forget to take a Golden Retriever with you, if at all possible! :) Love, Katy
