Sisters

My mom just got home from her annual 'sister's trip.' This time there was one less sister. My Aunt Marie passed away in July. She was the 4th of 6 kids, the second of the 4 sisters. My mom and her sisters are legendary - at least to the family. They are "the sisters" and they are so loved and admired that it is hard to express it in words. The loss of one of them is hard on all of us - but hardest on them.

I actually wrote the above paragraph back in September. I couldn't finish. My Aunt Marie had so many wonderful qualities and was so special that I have not even been able to write about her. Even now I am struggling. Part of the reason is because she raised my three wonderful cousins, Ilsa, Kevin and Kris. They each expressed their love so beautifully and shared so much at her service that there is little I could add.

Toward the end of her life Aunt Marie received many letters from her friends, nieces and nephews. We were able to say goodbye, each in our own way. When someone I love so much passes away,  I find myself wanting to honor them by writing something so profound and beautiful as a  sort of memorialization. I have found that this time it just has to happen in my heart with all the beautiful feelings and memories just gathering up as I remember her each day, each time I see one of the whimsical projects she created, each time I see my own mother, each time a holiday arrives and she is not here.

You left us the example of your unflappable faith, your sense of humor, your inquisitiveness, creativity and love. Aunt Marie, you are missed! No doubt you know this.