The end of an era.


Yesterday, in the midst of wonderful birthday festivities we received some sad news. My beloved Great Aunt Gwen, who was 103.5 years old passed away.

Thankfully, my mom was with her and awake at 1:30 AM. As she was sweetly brushing her beautiful white hair, and reciting Psalm 23 to her, Aunt Gwen waited until the last word in the verse was spoken and breathed her last breath.

Just 3 weeks ago, I went to VA and was determined to make time to see her. I held her hand, and she told me vivid stories of when she was 4 years old (100 years ago!!) She asked me many questions about my sweet Celia and teared up when I described her joyful attitude. It was a precious, precious visit.

I am SO THANKFUL I was able to go see her. Sadly, we forgot to take a picture together on our visit.

Many, many years ago, she had a daughter that was 1/2 Chinese. She only lived a short time, but even 85 years later, she still spoke of her daughter and how Aria reminded her of what her daughter would have looked like. She cried at what wasn't meant to be, and was thrilled for each joyous adoption in our family, as she re-lived her dreams of her daughter in each child who came into the family.

Aria adored Aunt Gwen equally as much, and always made sure to recite a new poem, say a scripture verse or sing a hymn for her when we would visit, much to Aunt Gwen's delight.


On her 103rd Birthday celebration last October, Aria and Gianna sang, and re-sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" for her as many times as she requested it. She was so proud of her great, great nieces that each guest who arrived got to hear the girls tirelessly sing.

With her died an entire generation of family members as she was the last living sibling of my grandfather.

I will miss her greatly.

As I told Aria the news that Aunt Gwen went to heaven, she smiled broadly.
And her response blessed me:
"How wonderful Mommy! She got to go to heaven on my birthday!! Because that's where we all want to be afterall."

How true.
Sometimes it takes a child with their sweet innocence to gain the right perspective.
Heaven IS where we all want to be.
I'm am just sure Aunt Gwen has her beautiful baby girl in her arms once again as she is holding hands with my grandfather and worshipping the Almighty.
I know there's no place she'd rather be.

Until we meet again dearest Aunt Gwen... I love you.

Comments

  1. maggieJune 8, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    I'm praying for you! I LOVE Aria's response. It really blessed me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. NavhelowifeJune 8, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Prayers and hugs my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Grandma and GrandpaJune 8, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    That's a beautiful testimony, Cristy. Thanks for sharing it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family.

    ReplyDelete

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