Mari & me

I met Mari for the first time in the autumn of 2003 when she entered the class room of my work related Estonian course as our new teacher. She wore among other things a “Pailaps” Navitrolla t-shirt and her engaging smile. I had been learning Estonian for one year with another, quite unpleasant, teacher and had thought about quitting, but when I heard that we would get a new teacher, I decided to check her out first. And boy was I happy that I did.

Mari was a very good teacher and got me hooked on Estonian language, culture and people for life. But in a few months I was also hooked on herself. She was funny, smart, unassuming, tolerant, kind, loyal, flirtatious, generous, beautiful. When I got to know her better I also found fear and insecurity and sadness caused by some failed relationships, the death of her mother and her congenital heart problem. There were some ups and downs in the first year or two, but when she committed to me at the beginning of 2006 she did it fully. I couldn't believe my luck. The scary heart operation she had later in the year reinforced this feeling of gratitude for every day I could spend with her.

Mari was scared of dying and from time to time this would bring her down, especially if her health was weak. But she didn't keep wallowing in it, and always picked herself up quickly. She was the most courageous person I have known. She loved and appreciated life and was always present in it. She loved and enjoyed so many things: family, friends, dogs, cooking, champagne, travelling, music, books and stupid reality programs, just to mention a few. I will post more detailed entries about her years with me and I look forward to reading about your memories and the other aspects of her life.

It still seems impossible that Mari is gone. She was my life.