My aunt Rose died recently. She was that last of her siblings to go, an entire generation, gone. She was an amazing human, not because she lived to be 102, but because of the kind of person she was. From the first time I met her, she treated me like an honored guest. She always had a feast ready for me, whenever I went to visit, and she watched with glee as I gobbled up her delicious concoctions! Everyone who knew her said she was one in a million.
Honestly, just 40 years ago, I discovered I had 4 more brothers! Only Terry is left now, but from the first time I met him, he embraced me as if he'd been my big brother all my life, and I him. I met my three aunts Rose, Suzie, and Ora and one uncle Joe just 20 years ago. Uncle Ray passed before I had the chance to meet him. I mention their names because it's important to me, to keep their memories alive, at least as long as I walk this earth. But also because of the profound impact each of them had on my life. You see, I always knew in the dark recesses of my heart, there was a piece missing. My aunts and uncles had many kids, and just as my aunts, uncle, and brothers embraced me, my cousins always made me feel like I belonged. Last week, when we said our last goodbyes to aunt Rose (at least to her physical remains) Dee, and I had the opportunity to embrace and be embraced my my beautiful family once again. No money could ever ever buy the warm feelings of love joy, and fulfilment we came away with. What my family gave me of the highest value, is acceptance and unconditional love.
I could only imagine the joyful laughter and love, aunt Rose and her 5 siblings had when she got there!
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