To the Editor:
Since a week ago Sunday morning, when a mutual friend called to tell us the horrible news about Half and Susanne, Nancy and I have been awestruck and devastated. We and our adult children, Susannah and Alex, were near neighbors of the Zantops both in Hanover and Etna. We all "grew up" together, along with several other families whose children were the same age as Veronika and Mariana, the Zantops' wonderful daughters.
All of us spent many delightful moments together doing the things neighbors do with their children. We have fond memories of the Ray School environs and the adventure playground parents created and the nature preserve down to Storrs Pond. Certainly, memories of the Storrs Pond Recreation area, swimming, picnicking, and tennis (I never could beat Half) are cherished. At the memorial service on Saturday, Alex reflected, "I keep having images of the point where we all gathered weekends."
Nancy and Susanne attended different graduate schools at the same time. It was a time for taking turns, caring for each other's children while one of them hurried off to classes in Massachusetts or Vermont. It was symbolic of who we were as a community with a common focus -- our children.
I had the unique opportunity not only to be their neighbor and friend, but also their daughters' teacher. As their social studies teacher in the Richmond School, I was moved by Veronika and Mariana's zest for life, intelligence, and inquisitive spirit. Half and Susanne had done their job well as parents, preparing them to face their future. On Saturday, I saw "the girls" once again. This time, in the light of Rollins Chapel, I viewed them as outstanding, heroic young women. I am sure it was the same vision for Half and Susanne.
Three years ago, we moved back to Rhode Island to be with our own aging families. A few tearful moments ago, while reflecting on our 33 years in Hanover, Nancy and I realized how fortunate we all had been to be part of the same wonderful community at a moment in time when we were able to share a good portion of our lives together. Half and Susanne have been prematurely taken away, but we will always have memories of the pleasure of their company.
