Grief and Faith

The last few posts have been about family and struggles and cancer and well…

Today is a very sombre day for our family.

My dear Aunt Jeannie passed away from that evil cancer.

Aunt Jeannie was born May 11, 1939 – married to my Uncle Alex (fathers brother).

Five children – Lori, Leslie, Shawn, David and Kelly. My first cousins.

As Dad and Uncle Alex were close in age – and geographics had us living fairly close to each other – we would spend alot of time together.

I personally spent long weekends and summers in their home – treated as one of their own.

Our family is a large network of Aunts, Uncles, 1st, 2nd, 3rd cousins twice removed – thrice removed who knows.

While over years – we have lost touch here and there – we are family.

Our dear Aunt Jeannie was a force in life. Funny as all hell! and so very wise.

When I was 15 I had a crush on a local boy near them. He fancied another local girl and I surely thought my life would end. I was dumb FYI – Aunt Jeannie took me aside and told me that I was young to which I am sure I eye rolled her – and that I needed to stop worrying about this boy and focus on myself and my self worth and that I was a good person and nice and pretty and that any boy who did not see that was not worth my time.

Of course I thought she was wrong because what did she know right?

Well – as a parent – been there and done that and boy was she right!!! and I thank her for that!!!

When my own mother passed – Aunt Jeannie was at the hospital and she said to me – “I am sorry does not even begin to tell you all how much I hurt for what you are all going through right now. Be strong and know that your mother has done her job here and now it is time for her to go help God do his”.

My personal political and religious views are exactly that – my own. I do not broadcast – I do not push them on others.

To my cousins – whom I love dearly and I know that time and life and shit has kept us apart at times – I wanted you to know that I echo your dear sweet Mama’s sentiments.

Aunt Jeannie – you have done your job in raising a fine family- now God needs your help raising his.