This is not as much an aside as I thought it would be… my aunt passed away last night. She’d battled lung and brain cancer for over year. I was thinking about her, about how she lived her life, the gifts she had, the flaws that made her human. She and my mother had been single mothers together when their babies were little. I think about the way that made me an in-between girl, not quite a niece, not quite a sister, but treated at times as both. I’m going to miss her. It’s a night for reminiscing and remembering, and paying tribute to the women in my life, the aunts who love me, the aunt who left. Thinking about the lives they must have led, taking care of us, single moms, making things work.
Thank you, mom. Thank you, aunts. You are my valentines, the ones who loved me first, who loved me best.
Thank you, Shani, Amy and Rachel. I’ve got to write a eulogy for my aunt. I am slowly gathering the words I want to say. I hope I can read them when the time comes.
Christina,
I want to send some warmth your way… to you and your son. Your writing here — about your aunt and your mom — is simply beautiful. Hope you and your mom are able to spend time together to grieve.
xo,
Rachel
Just popped by here and saw the news. How wonderful that you were able to make it back from Dubai (and make such a SUPERSTAR of yourself) when she was still here. I’ll be thinking of you and your mom — and wishing your sadness away.
(((BIG HUGS)))
She’d be so pleased to know the beautiful tribute you wrote to her.
I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt.
But what a lovely remembrance of her, and her role in your life.