Two thumbs up!
Allison’s trademark gesture was always complemented by a warm smile. I would come to know this gesture all too well as I often returned the gesture in kind. The gesture established a bond that went beyond words. In essence, it expressed Allison’s care, excitement and enthusiasm. You could see these characteristics reflected in her relationships. She had many relationships... She was an artist, a friend, sister, cousin, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and an author. She cherished and maintained her relationships.
You did not have to change to fit in. She welcomed everyone with Two Thumbs Up! Allison welcomed me into her life six years ago. Although I am not an artist, she helped me get started on my own “masterpiece” with her brush strokes of wisdom, care, ingenuity and love. This masterpiece, my life, will be a work in progress until I take my last breath. Allison’s love and spirit will be a primary focal point of that masterpiece.
Allison’s passing is not the end... It is the beginning for Allison to have new friends, admirers, and beneficiaries in life; namely those who read her story and follow her ethics of perseverance, positivism and achievement. Allison’s legendary fight with Cancer ended with success as it never touched her spirit. Her spirit and life now reside in our hearts.
Life is not merely a function of time. It is a function of appreciation and contentment, love and support, care, grace and faith. Allison’s time with us embraced those qualities. Her life continues on in all that we do. She left us with a beautiful approach to life – One to embrace and celebrate with Two Thumbs Up!
-Rafic Sinno