A couple of weeks ago I received a call from my brother that our sweet Aunt Clarice had passed away. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's just a few years ago, and this merciless disease had taken yet another member of our family. And yet, in the midst of our grief, we celebrated her.
This past Saturday we had her memorial -- a simple graveside service with immediate family only. Those were her wishes. Simple. How she left this world mirrored the life she lived here. Simple.
After leaving the convent many, many years ago, Aunt Clarice never married. She lived in a charming log cabin with a dear friend in Michigan, and this cabin served as the site of the best childhood memories one could hope for.
Many summer vacations were spent there swimming in the lake, sharing laughs, picking blueberries, and hiking through the woods. They were simple vacations. Nothing fancy. Just simple.
After Saturday's service, we all gathered at my brother's house for a simple lunch and eventually made our way downstairs to watch a video compilation of years gone by. Bittersweet is the best word I know to describe those minutes watching the pictures in front of us. Many who are no longer with us, including my dad, passed before us on the screen. We laughed at the clothes we wore, the hairstyles, the mannerisms. And inside, I'm sure we ached for just one more day with all of us together. Bittersweet.
We have often commented to each other over the years how blessed we are to have the family we have. This isn't to say we don't have trials and tribulations to trudge through just like any other family or to paint the picture of perfection. It just serves as a reminder that even though our reason for getting together this weekend was to bid farewell to a dear aunt, the time also afforded us the opportunity to reconnect, to reminisce, to laugh.
And to be reminded, once again, how blessed we are.
Great post! Family is the greatest blessing of all, worth much more than money and we always try and remind eachother of that when we're getting too busy with real estate. People say we're crazy with 4 kids because of how expensive it is, but in reality, it's richer than having the money saved up in IRAs, stocks and bonds.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Thank you for sharing this. We all have our bags of memories, and your remarks made me think again of the value in a strong family network.
Kathleen -- Thank you. I love your comment -- and I envy you having four children.
Li -- It really is at times like this that we get a little jolt of remembering what a blessing we have in each other. Thank you for stopping by.
Hi There My Friend: What a wonderful memory you have. You said it yourself several times in your post - The wonders of simplicity - In this crazy over complicated world, we tend to forget the joy ofsimplicity. Although it was bitter sweet, you are blessed with lasting memories and fortunate to have your family near. Sorry for you loss. How are thing? We need to catch up soon!!!!!!! Take care.
Gwenn --It is SO good to hear from you. Business is booming. Certainly helped keep my mind occupied over the past couple of weeks. Stay in touch!
Peggy thanks for your tribute to your Aunt. She sounds so lovely and had a beautiful life. Having just a few weeks ago gone through the death of my brother-in-law and my mother who has Alzheimer's I can relate to your thoughts.
Gary -- Aunt Clarice was just the best. The most gentle-spirited person I've ever met. I am so sorry for your loss, as well, but know you and your family find comfort in the happy memories, too!