This is a tribute by Debbie and John
Taylor who enjoyed a happy week in Jamaica with Allie and Ollie in February 2018, we believe it captures Allie's life and spirit very well!
'' I wanted to compose a message to you upon our return home from Jamaica Inn expressing our joy and gratitude for the unforgettable time we had with your mom and dad. We were so overwhelmed by Ali's desire and determination to get to the inn and the amazing joy and strength she had the entire visit! She was aglow with life and a deep sense of appreciation for every minute. I am sure the has shared with you about their lovely room with sweeping views of the front lawn and beach--they enjoyed a spacious porch with a comfy sofa and chairs and is tucked in the corner surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
Every morning after breakfast on the veranda (we also took our breakfast on the veranda and loved sharing our morning salutations with your mom and dad and often planning out our day) Ali would spend some restful time on the porch reading and napping and enjoying the surroundings. When Ollie was out I would bring her our favorite fruit punch (served on the beach to us daily around 11:00) and chat a bit. Ollie and John enjoyed a game of golf. After lunch Ali and Ollie would spend time on the beach and often we would have beach chats!
It was very different this last year but your mom exceeded our expectations for getting around and despite her condition was so positive and a joy to be with as always. We have so many little traditions we share at the inn.
Every evening we dine together under the stars to the sound of little peeper frogs and the fragrance of jasmine until the band takes over and fills the air with their unique Jamaican music--it is a mix of favorite tunes. Your mom and dad always lit up the dance floor!!! and when Dalton sang "New York- New York" your dad would effortlessly whirl and twirl your mom around the floor! Everyone loved it! We would finish our meals with a little pudding and coffee --and call it a day --sweet sleep to the sound of the waves--only to wake up and start all over again! I can hardly think about it as I compose this message--John and I will miss them so much at the inn! We are just not sure we can go back! We met them at the inn as you well know and what a gift their friendship has been to us! All our visits and adventures! and their help preparing for Bethany and Michael's wedding. And the visits to your neck of the woods! Ali's beautiful hospitality ...on and on! Our friendship has been one of our greatest gifts! We love! your mum and dad !!!! We have so many good times and good talks about life! And Ali and I .... Oh my ! we could talk about anything--but our favorite subject was always the family!!!!! Our conversation would inevitably come back to discussing how we could be the best mums and grand-mums! I know you know this but your mum is so proud of all of you and loves you so much!!! What a blessing to have you all so near especially now.
And what a treasure we have in you all! Beyond our dear friendship with your mum and dad we have sweet friendship with you and your children!
What great times we have shared with you during our visits! We have loved every minute walking around your homes talking about this and that and life and gardening and art and the children --and sharing delicious meals together! We are so grateful!!! You are wonderful children! So engaged with life, devoted to your familiies and serving others. So many times I have wished we lived closer to one another. You all would get along wonderfully with our children!! Kindred in so many ways! I hope one day you all can meet.
Our home is always open for a visit!!! Bethany and Michael, Clarence and the baby to come live nearby and we could have a wonderful reunion.
My heart is so heavy today thinking about you all there and you watch your dear mum grow weaker. It was so hard to say good-bye in Jamaica but I was so comforted by the fact that I will see Ali again!! I have no doubt that we will know one another in heaven--which really isn't far off we any of us. I know saying good-bye is immensely different for you all. I am sure these are difficult days--trying to find the comforting and loving words and actions!
I am sensing from Ali's last email that she is growing weaker and weaker--like she is ready to go. I know Ollie is trying every way to support her and cheer her and love her. He is amazing! I am happy he has had all the building projects to keep life somewhat normal for all. Really can't imagine!
We are praying for all of you! That you find the moments that you need to say and do just what you need.
Try to find comfort and strength and hope that through our faith in Jesus Christ we will all be together for eternity! This life is not the end but a foretaste of the glory to come! We will know one another and share life together. And then we won't have the Atlantic Ocean between us!
But for now we are here on the other side of the Atlantic in body but with you in spirit! You are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
I leave you with these words from Jesus,
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." John 11:25
His promise has brought us much comfort, hope, and joy through the years.