Aunt Becky died today...she prayed for two things...to die free of pain and not alone...both of those things were granted to her. For over a month now, she had her family by her side day and night, as she knew that she was living out her last days here on earth. Her kidneys had failed and at 72 years of age, she was saying goodbye.
Becky was my godmother. When I was little, she would give me a special little gift at Christmas because I was her god child. I remember in kindergarten, she gave me a set of little pink twins with little cribs and highchairs. The whole set could fit in your hand. I loved those little gifts because I felt singled out...special...and loved.
Becky was the youngest of 5 children. She was cherished by my Mom who died many years ago. She was the "baby" of the family. Her Mother had died when she was young. The older children in the family took her under their wing even into adulthood. Becky and Bob raised five boys..each one different and unique..each one grew to be strong and caring fathers themselves.
And now Becky is gone and things just don't seem right with the world right now. My heart is heavy. Her sense of humor, her humility, her love..her compassion..She encouraged me as a parent as she shared the ways she coped with raising 5 boys all very close together in age. She made me laugh each time I saw her.
I think the story of why she loved to mow the lawn will always stand in my memory. She said she loved to get out behind that mower because no matter what was going on between the boys, she could tune it out. They could be asking for things or fighting and they would follow alongside her tattling and she would just keep mowing...telling them she couldn't hear what they were saying...they worked it out and she was able to get an hour of peace and "quiet."
And now today, Becky has met her Savior. She is experiencing healing in a way that we can never experience here on earth. She is experiencing beauty and glory beyond anything we can imagine. We rejoice for her and now we grieve for those left behind.
And for today, I will allow myself to grieve...for a generation of my family that is quickly passing from this earth. Goodbye dear Becky...we will always love you.
