Julia Logue-Riordan
I feel truly blessed to have had Eleanor as my mother-in-law. She was the wind beneath my wings, lifting and guiding me through life's ups and downs with her unwavering support. Cooking together was one of our joys; she loved being my assistant in the kitchen, always eager to learn and unafraid to try new recipes. Her gumbo was exceptional, and she had a remarkable talent for developing its rich flavors.
We shared wonderful memories with her and Wayne in Africa. They both surprised me with their adventurous spirits. I remember how Eleanor visited a hospital in Kenya, genuinely interested in understanding the challenges faced by the medical staff, patients, and caregivers. It touched her heart deeply.
It wasn't until later that I truly saw the playful child within her. One day, I brought over a vintage dancing Santa, and she excitedly declared she wanted it on the kitchen table, saying, "His dancing will make me happy." Later, I surprised her with a wind-up bunny that hopped, and her joy was infectious. She couldn't wait for the grandkids and great-grandkids to see it, though I knew in my heart that she enjoyed it just as much as they would—perhaps even more than the dancing Santa.