Part two of two
In the season of gift-giving, I asked several of our community citizens what very meaningful or significant gift they have received in their lifetime. Thinking of “gift” not as a thing, but more broadly, it would likely be a critical incident or experience, wise words, or an intervention, that made a major life-changing impact on them. And, it might be realized as a gift only in retrospect. Below (alphabetically) are the moving messages in the second of the two-part series.
Mark T. Cuzzupoli
Chief of Police, Brockport Police Department
My gift is my family. Especially as we approach each holiday season, I am reminded of wonderful childhood memories when parties and gatherings would bring extended family together for great times as we celebrated. As an adult now with my own family where we carry on these traditions, I wish for these moments to slow down as the years seem to fly by. I want to cherish these moments and create the same fond memories for my own children that my parents provided for me. My parents were my foundation, always there to support and encourage me along the way. Always there for me during the best moments of my life as well as the difficult ones. My parents instilled in me what it means to be family and in the true spirit of paying it forward I work hard to continue that tradition.
Archie Kutz
Co-founder Lift Bridge Book Shop, 1972,
and former co-owner with his wife, Patty Kutz
Member Brockport Community Museum
Board Member Brockport Community Rowing Club Lifetime resident of Brockport and community activist
We all have gifts we have benefited from: Life itself, family, hopefully good health and a safe environment, the wonders of nature and the existence of the universe. I have been privileged to be able to take advantage of all of these.
Also, for me there is the Written Word. Whether it is fact, fiction or poetry, the world of the Written Word is something that opens you up to the imagination, understanding and feelings of those expressing themselves. Inspirational, metaphysical, educational and joyful, the Written Word is the essence one needs for a fulfilled life.
It certainly formed my life as a book seller for 43 years and now as a form of pure enjoyment and understanding, I continue to read to learn, understand and study my surroundings. Where would we all be without this wonderful marvel, the Written Word?
Erica Linden
Deputy Clerk-Treasurer
Village of Brockport
In 2005 my husband and I were in a car accident. My leg went through the car door and I was trapped, as semis barreled toward me on the same icy pavement. My leg broke in two places and I had a pelvic fracture. Physical wounds healed with a metal rod, an expert surgeon and time, but the anxiety of driving is always with me, heightened in winter weather.
The accident was an awful, wonderful gift. It strengthened our marriage and taught me to rely on others; gratitude became a daily practice, the goodness of people – dear family and complete strangers – was overwhelming.
Today, my driving fear limits me, but it also opens me. I am more compassionate. I can bear witness to the stories of others with greater loving kindness.
Dr. Lesli C. Myers
Superintendent of Schools
Brockport Central School District
My maternal grandmother was a woman of zeal, compassion and a deep routed faith in God. She married around the age of 13, had ten children, and was widowed before the age of 29. She stood 5’10” and had piercing hazel brown eyes. I loved to sit with Nana and hear about her life growing up in the south.
About four months before my Nana died, she called me over to sit with her. I got into story listening position as she unfolded what would be her final gift to me. She said, “There are three pieces of advice I’d like to share with you: 1. Always ensure you maintain your faith and belief in God. 2. Continually pursue education and get as much of it as you can. And finally, 3. Stay away from nasty tail boys because they are nothing but trouble!”
My Nana’s stories continue to ring in my mind. I miss her and am so grateful for the precious time I had with her. I owe many of my personal and professional accomplishments to her. Now, it’s my responsibility to pass the gift on…
In Part #1 on December 2, “Gifts” stories were by:
Marcia Bartalo, Gordy Fox, Carl Gouveia
and Carol J. Nellis-Ewell.
They are on line at www.westsidenewsny.com.
Photos here are by Dianne Hickerson except for
Dr. Lesli C. Myers’ which was provided.
