Ginger J. Taylor

Sorry to hear about her passing. I worked with her at Britthaven for many years My name is OPPIE Sheffield And bowled with Tank also

If the timing of certain people coming into your life has meaning only you can understand, then I appreciate how when I was a shy, gangly, socially awkward teen, this beloved classmate would appear sure-footed, undaunted, forthright, unabashed, exuberant and spirited. Being the silent type, I was fascinated by her capacity to speak. Sleepovers, double-dating for the Sadie Hawkins´ Dance, getaway weekends in Swansboro with her Mum and Ernest, opting for a movie in my fancy dress rather than attending the ball, to which I was a reluctant sky blue princess of the queen's court by copper-pennies-count, and making French toast for breakfast, are left in her wake fondly recalled. The last time I saw her at a GHS Class of ´65 reunion, she told me "Tank" had been the love of her life and that she missed him. Ginger brought a burst of sunshine at a time when my rays had diminished with the uncertainty of the rite of passage of adolescence looming large.

I smile sensing how some of those newborn noggins that were warmed by those toboggans, would have felt the warmth of her heart radiating through those gracefully tapered tanned fingers. The gift of connection she extended at that time (1962-63) is remembered and held with gratitude and appreciation. It was a privilege to know her. I am sure you are going to miss her presence. May you be warmed by memories shared by others, and your own tucked away to be brought out now and then.