Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Uncle Laurie and "Dindinha" Irene were dear to me and my parents and their passing marks the end of a special generation. The "velha guarda" of expats who came to work in Rio back in the day and ended up adopting the country and culture as theirs. I can still remember as a little kid visiting their house in Gavea, near the Escola Americana, and thinking it was really cool-- especially the little "mico" they had as a pet. Uncle Laurie was such a sweetheart...a big teddy bear with a deep voice and great sense of humor. He was the one who taught me how to hit a shuttlecock backwards and from between my legs. In fact, I believe we tried to play a badminton game entirely like that. If it's amusing to picture now, imagine what it must have been for a 10-year-old girl! As an adult I had the pleasure to share a dance with him and boy, could that man move! He led and danced with such an easy grace which is remarkable for someone of his size. I remember watching him and Dindinha dance to some classic bosa nova-- moving in sinc while staring into each other's eyes...a soft smile on their faces as they shared a private moment. It was truly beautiful to watch. They complemented each other in every way and seemed to face everything as a team. Alistair, Diane, and family-- you are all in my thoughts (I didn't tell mum).
