A number of years ago, I wrote a post about my Aunt Rose. At
the time, she was in remission from the cancer that would inevitably claim her
life; she was also on a quest to complete her personal Bucket List, and, we were
fortunate to witness her accomplish two of those goals.
She rode a horse for the first time in her life.
And she rode a Harley.
We were well aware that our time with her was finite, and,
we told ourselves that we had come to terms with the inevitable loss, but, when
that loss came earlier this week, I don’t think we were as prepared as we may
have believed.
She went on her own terms, and, she went peacefully. I have
no doubt that her welcoming party at the Heavenly gates included my
grandparents, her husband, her oldest daughter, and both of her brothers; I
have no doubt that there was rejoicing.
Back here on Earth, there is also rejoicing-for a life well lived,
a release from pain, for the love she left behind. There is also sadness, and
emptiness, and healing to be done.
I think I’ve mentioned here before, how very blessed I am to
have had the large, boisterous, affectionate, strong, loyal, and courageous
extended family that I have; if not, then I am mentioning it now. Growing up
under the watchful eye of a large Catholic family was a blessing, and I am
saddened by the loss of a huge piece of that family.
Aunt Rose was mild, kind, loving, sweet, and, at the most
unexpected times, incredibly funny. I’ll miss her steady presence and her beautiful smile, and, I will be forever thankful for the part she played in this amazing family.
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