I Didn't Know I would Miss Her This Much...

My aunt died last February after a long battle with a rare form of cancer caused by the mining industry in our area. Her brother died about a year earlier from the same disease. It was terrible to watch. My aunt was my mom's very best friend. She was always there for my mom and for us kids We spent a lo of time swimming in her pool in the summer. Her children and us spent a lot of time together growing up. I don't ever remember her letting me down. My aunt had some mental health issues and she knew it. She was not treated very well by my uncle who eventually left her for her best friend. Her children were her life, I believe she always kept it as together as she could for their sake.

 She made a home for them to come to no matter what they had done. Her door was open to those that had treated her well and to those that hadn't always treated her well. She was one of the most selfless people I had ever met. A couple of times as I got older, I couldn't get a hold of my parents when I needed something. She always answered the phone, she always knew who I could call or what advice I might need.

 I knew I loved her and I knew she was very special, but what I didn't know was that I would miss her so much. I didn't see her as often as I should of once I became an adult, but I knew she was still there. I knew she loved me and more importantly was that person my mom could turn to no matter what happened.

It is months after her services have been held and I still say good morning to her when I pass her house on my way to work. I still talk about the things she would have liked when I see something in a store. She would never believe how many lives she touched and how deeply. She once told her daughter that no matter how much money you have, live frugally because you don't ever know where life will take you. On her deathbed, she told her daughter she wished I would consider having children because they were her biggest comfort and she worried I would regret it. Still thinking of others at that time.

I know this is rambling, but for some reason tonight I was ready to write about my Aunt. I hope whereever she is, she is breathing peacefully. No longer gasping for air. It would have been selfish to wish for her to stay, but I miss her so much. Her faith in God and her church will always be something that I remember. Thanks for reading.