Another Life Lesson

Today, almost 2,000 miles away from where I sit, a handful of my family members are gathered to pay their final respects to my very dear Aunt Sue. As long as I can remember, I have known that she was an extraordinary person. She was genuinely kind and loving. Her heart was overflowing with love for her family and a powerful faith. Those were also what fueled her unwavering strength. No matter what was happening, she could always be counted on to be the level head and voice of reason. Though small in stature, her inner strength was enough to see our entire family through our darkest days.

I have been told that in her younger days, she was considered to be meek and quiet. But I am confident that she was just taking it all in and preparing to step into the role of the quiet ringleader of our sometimes unruly family. It was a transition that she made not by choice but out of necessity as the older generation left us, one by one.

On the day that my father was buried, she put her arm around me and told me how my Dad welcomed her into the family after she married my Uncle David. She said he took on the role of her big brother, always there when she was overwhelmed by the group of loud Germans who thought that shouting was just the way to have a discussion. He explained that he, too, was a little unnerved when he married my mom and joined the family. She said he had his arm around her that day, just like she had her arm around me. And now she was here for me because she had buried her Dad and knew just how hard it was going to be for me.

On the day that we buried my mom, she was at my side again. This time, she told me that she and Uncle David would be my parents now that my Mom and Dad were both gone. And I never needed to worry. I could pick up the phone and call her anytime and for any reason. Which I did many times over the years.

She was the one who told me what to do when I watched my son suffering from a broken heart. She had the words that comforted me on each of my parent’s birthdays and the holidays that ticked by without them. And she was the one who would call me just to check up on us and say that she was thinking about my family and me. And she is the one who would be telling me today that it is ok that I am not at her graveside today to pay my final respects. She would remind me that being safe and staying healthy for my family is always the priority.

The challenges of the last few months have touched every life on the planet. And they are a constant reminder of what is really important in this world. Just as Aunt Sue always knew, our family, both those given to us and those that we choose, are the real treasures of this world. We must love them completely and unconditionally, and in return, they will do the same.

So many lessons I learned from this special person, and so many memories that I will cherish forever. Another angel has gotten her wings and is now at home and at peace. I will miss her, but I will keep her memory alive by continuing to share all of the kindness, love, and encouragement that she shared with me.