Sunday, January 29, 2023
Social, conviction, strength, debater, intelligence and purple are my word associations for Liz. Giz and Larry, yes that’s right, was my pet name for this dynamic duo who have been great friends and supporters of the Merks - MacNeill friendship alliance spanning five decades.
I would enjoy Liz’s impromptu summer social calls during her lunch break when I was in highschool. I would notice her purple finger nails right away. Somehow they made an impression on my. Perhaps it was Liz’s form of communication with her facial expressions, hearty laughter and animated hands. I would eventually tune into the story and the many details of the event and the people who were there, “You know so and so, they worked here, dated this person and live here..”. This was case and point of her ability to retain details and weave a story together like no other.
Liz’s convictions were solid. I am not certain if Cheryl was ever able to negotiate with Liz but she definitely acquired strong communication skills and traits from her mother such as her compassion, confirming that you are heard and being present with you in the moment. These are the life lessons both Liz and Cheryl share with their family, friends and clients.
I agreed with people’s testimonies that Liz knew people had to learn from their own choices. I can picture Liz with a, “What can you dooo?!” expression for the main character in her story. Liz was also a problem solver. I can picture a hand slap and a turned heal with a “That’s it” , and down the laneway she would go to solve the latest conundrum.
One of my fondest memories is Clark and Cheryl’s wedding day. This day was filled with so much jubilation or perhaps adrenaline due to lack of sleep but I was giddy! On the ride to the Whitehead family church in Littlewood, we were singing, chanting, clapping and making jokes. People were honking, waving and smiling at the bride who had crinoline up to her neck. On this sacred day, we were all invited to the Whitehead community of farms and church. No one felt like a stranger but rather like family. Giz and Larry are very good at making you feel welcome!
Liz could have pursued many different careers paths and she would have make a great Private investigator or genealogist. With P.I. Liz’s direct line of questioning, I would be directly asked, “Have you spoken to Cheryl lately?” I would have to grimace and say, “Not lately”. This was Liz’s gentle reminder to stay connected. I’ve got the message Liz. I will be checking in far more regularly. This is your gift to us, a reminder to stay in touch with our friends and family. The West Elgin Community has lost a stitch in its social fabric. No one will be able to fill this void, but rather our memories of you will flood our conversation with a small glint of suspicion, just like you.
You will forever remain in our hearts as you have made an impression. Heaven has just given out its next set of wings!
With much love, peace and support from the Merks-Mikac Family to the Whiteheads, MacNeills, Heards and Schrembis
Mario, Toni (nee Merks), Anna & Mateo
