Memorial Bench For Kate McClure Spencer Straccia

Hello, My name is Lucia Lauria-Gabbard, and Kate was my most dearly beloved cousin.

Funny, sweet, thoughtful, and most of all, kind, Kate had the ability to find something interesting to converse about in almost any given subject.  With a contagious laugh and a dazzling smile, Kate was a beacon of light to all that knew her.  
I like to imagine Kate sitting at a park on her day off, finishing up some Dickinson or having a bite to eat. Smiling towards the warming sun.  It is with this thought that we have chosen a lovely bench in Highland Park.  Overlooking the reservoir, the bench will be emblazoned with a plaque to honor our sweet, beautiful Kate, taken from us too soon.

I hope we can all find the sweetness, thoughtfulness and kindness in us to honor Kate the way she deserves.



Ah! Why, Because the Dazzling Sun
BY EMILY BRONTË

Ah! why, because the dazzling sun
Restored my earth to joy
Have you departed, every one,
And left a desert sky?


All through the night, your glorious eyes
Were gazing down in mine,
And with a full heart's thankful sighs
I blessed that watch divine!


I was at peace, and drank your beams
As they were life to me
And revelled in my changeful dreams
Like petrel on the sea.


Thought followed thought—star followed star
Through boundless regions on,
While one sweet influence, near and far,
Thrilled through and proved us one.


Why did the morning rise to break
So great, so pure a spell,
And scorch with fire the tranquil cheek
Where your cool radiance fell?


Blood-red he rose, and arrow-straight,
His fierce beams struck my brow;
The soul of Nature sprang elate,
But mine sank sad and low!


My lids closed down—yet through their veil
I saw him blazing still;
And bathe in gold the misty dale,
And flash upon the hill.


I turned me to the pillow then
To call back Night, and see
Your worlds of solemn light, again
Throb with my heart and me!


It would not do—the pillow glowed
And glowed both roof and floor,
And birds sang loudly in the wood,
And fresh winds shook the door.


The curtains waved, the wakened flies
Were murmuring round my room,
Imprisoned there, till I should rise
And give them leave to roam.


O Stars and Dreams and Gentle Night;
O Night and Stars return!
And hide me from the hostile light
That does not warm, but burn—


That drains the blood of suffering men;
Drinks tears, instead of dew:
Let me sleep through his blinding reign,
And only wake with you!