Deborah Ann Adamson: A memorial It was well over 50 years ago I first saw Debbie. She was an elementary school girl who rode the same bus as I every day in the early to mid-1960s. I recall her neatly dressed and in possession of a maturity and wisdom that was advanced for her age. With her brother, she boarded the bus while her mother stood in the doorway of their home on Columbia Road and waved goodbye for the day. I had no way to know that fate would bring us together via my brother for a life-long pathway with all its customary inclusions, bad and good. There is no doubt my brother Bill was smitten with her as they navigated high school together and I could see why. I think they were a good match during their all too short, shared life together. The result of their love yielded two daughters of extreme intelligence, charm and beauty and in both of them I see Bill and Debbie, which is a lasting tribute to both parents and a comfort to me in this time of sadness.My brotherâ??s life ended prematurely but Debbie persevered to raise their daughters to be individuals who are self-sufficient and well adjusted. I know my father took great pleasure in Erin and Christine as young children and enjoyed giving them rides in a wheelbarrow! Debbie had my parentsâ?? support as the girls grew and found their own path in life. Despite illness, Debbie was able to navigate for decades beyond my brother to watch their daughters grow into adulthood. She had to have been very pleased and proud of the daughters Bill and she created.It is that little girl who climbed up those large bus steps every day that enters my mind now. She was so sweet, but I could not know then that she would be challenged even more as her life progressed. I feel so sad that she had to endure so much undeserved, but I acknowledge she remained dedicated to her family despite the challenges. I viewed Debbie â??beneath the surfaceâ?? and saw the purity of intent in her. I wish Debbie a peaceful rest with my brother and am grateful to her for that which she accomplished. She fulfilled a role I am sure pleases my brother who loved her and their daughters. There is no greater meaning to life. David Adamson, brother-in-law to Debbie & uncle to Christine and ErinDecember 5, 2016
