Today I selected a few photos to give to David when we next see him. Before I inserted the photos in a little photo album, I scanned them all. I want now to share these photos with my blogger friends. David did get to know Gaby while she lived in Ferguson Lodge which is a place for disabled people in a wheelchair. In this place people were well looked after. However it was institutionalized care. Gaby was very happy when in 1989 David made it possible for her to move into her own home. She was 32 at the time and Davidwas 40.
The picture of Peter holding baby Caroline was taken ca. March 1979, visiting Gaby at Ferguson Lodge with friend Ron Bates.
- Gaby has a birthday cake in front of her, David is on the right, David’s mother left
- David and Gaby
- ca. 1973 when Gaby still lived with us: Mum, Dad, brother Martin, sister Monika
- David and Gaby came to visit for Christmas celebrations. David is Father Christmas and Caroline, who just turned 6, and the twins (5 1/2) have fun. Behind Gaby is Monika, the twins’ Mum.
- Caroline and friend visit Gaby at Ferguson Lodge
AuntyUta 
The picture of Peter holding baby Caroline was taken ca. March 1979, visiting Gaby at Ferguson Lodge with friend Ron Bates.
She lived a full life in spite of her affliction. She was surrounded by people who loved her. May she now rest.
Her smile brings a glow and beautiful radiance that can be felt in each picture. So beautiful. Thank you my friend for sharing her with us. Her story and her family is a huge inspiration to us all.
some wonderful memories. what a beautiful smile she had. do take care!
On the 28th of this month she would have been 55. She was paralyzed at the age of four. She had no recollection of having been able to walk. She managed her life of a severely disabled person remarkably well. She didn’t see herself as ‘disabled’ since there were still an awful lot of things she was able to do. She was being extremely active all through her life.
And yes, she had a beautiful smile. Thanks for commenting!
At age 4? Oh my God. It’s unthinkable!!
You have selected the pictures well, Aunty Uta. They tell the story of a spirited woman in happier times.
Such a beautiful smile and spirit – you’ve chosen a wonderful assortment of pictures, Aunty…they really capture how special and vivacious she was.
We gave these photos for David to keep in a little album. They show Gaby during the years when David was still able to care for her. It was because of David’s efforts that Gaby could leave Ferguson Lodge and move into her own home back in 1989.
Thanks, Anne, for commenting and liking these photos.
Hello, dear Idealist Thinker!
Yes. these were happier times for David. These photos I selected especially for David. As far as Gaby is concerned, there exist happy photos of her right through her life. The last two photos which were taken not long before she passed away, show her being very happy! She was in remarkable good health, considering her disabilities. Sadly David has to cope with a lot of sickness. He hasn’t been well at all for a long time.
Reblogged this on auntyuta.
It is very meaningful to learn more about your wonderful family. Gaby had a very beautiful smile. There is so much to life beyond disabilities, and it would seem that Gaby knew that. Wonderful family photos, Uta. I send a big hug, my friend. ox
Thank you so much, dear Debra. ox