Tomorrow my family will gather to pay tribute, share stories of love and laughter and comfort my cousins as we bury a very great lady, my aunt. She was my mother's best friend. They lived across the hall from one another during the early years of their marriages and forged a bond during that time that lasted their lifetimes.
My aunt was a true "southern" lady - and she lived up to that description. She was always offering good food and comfort. She could make a meal stretch to feed however many ended up around her table. They lived in a small house but you would never find a dirty dish in the sink or a towel on the bathroom floor. She made you feel welcome. As I grew older I found out that she made the best whiskey sours.
My aunt lived to grand old age of 92, but genetics was not very kind. She suffered with dementia at the end as so many of her family. My last conversation with her was answering her in 5 different ways about where we were living now. It was actually pretty interesting when I kept embroidering on my original answer just to keep the conversation going. I was privileged to be able to go and tell her goodbye and send her off with messages for my folks and the rest of those that were waiting for her with open arms.
One of the most comforting analogies of the moment of death that I have ever read went something like this. As those of us left here gather to mourn the passing of a loved one, the angels gather in the heavenly "delivery room" saying, "Get ready! Here she comes! She's almost here!" I love this as it allows me to see the faces of my folks and my other relatives waiting to welcome my aunt as she took her last breath on earth and her first one in heaven.
With her passing, she leaves my cousins and myself being the oldest generation of our family. That's a lot to live up to.
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful lady and I know you will miss her earthly presence sorely.
Being the oldest generation of the family is a burden and a blessing as well as a big responsibility. You can handle it though and i can't think of anyone more capable than you to do it Cathy. A beautiful photo and sentiment
Lovely quote and beautiful shot. This story fills my heart with joy. As someone who works with people with dementia your description of how you conversed with her was wonderful and what I have the privilege of doing most days xx
August 27th, 2017
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Being the oldest generation of the family is a burden and a blessing as well as a big responsibility. You can handle it though and i can't think of anyone more capable than you to do it Cathy. A beautiful photo and sentiment