Posted on 10/17/2012 9:03:37 PM PDT by lyby
I have experienced the death of family members, friends, and acquaintances. Probably the earliest I recall was when I was about four years old.
My grandfather's death in 1982, knocked me down. I was the first granddaughter, and we shared the same birthday for 22 years.
Other family members have since passed on... friends and acquaintances have since died...
Last night my aunt, thirteen years older than I and like an older sister to me, died...
I celebrate her life and the impact she had on my life; however, I cannot stop crying...
She and her husband, who passed on about twenty years ago, took my sister and me camping, taught me how to drive a stick-shift VW, gave me my first razor to shave my legs, visited my husband and me when we moved from VA to Miami...
My husband and I drove from AL to VA a couple of weeks ago to see her. We had been told she had only a couple of months to live... I wanted to see her before she died and had thought when she passed I would not have to attend her funeral.
Now it is time... And I cannot stop crying.
Our daughter and I will leave tomorrow to pay our respects...
Rest in peace and God bless you, Aunt Betty.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
HUG. It’s so hard to lose someone so special.
Did she know Jesus as her Lord and Savior?
Absolutely! Thank you for asking.
I found long ago that it’s not who someone was in your life (in this case your aunt) but what they meant to you, how they helped shape who you are and how close you were to them that makes their passing so hard. I’ve dealt with it and I know it’s tough. I had only one aunt, Aunt Martha. And I was not alone in thinking she was the sweetest woman on the planet. Cherish the memories you had with your, I know I do those I had with mine.
It’s wonderful she was in your life and you can call up memories like the ones you have. Imagine. Some of us have never had someone like that. She’ll always be with you and you with her. Go ahead and cry.
Go ahead and cry. I cried like a baby for weeks before my wife passed and weeks after. Then, even years after, when certain thoughts and memories would go through my mind.
I’m a big, burly gruff guy but cry over the damnest things, sometimes just thinking about our brave soldiers and those who died bringing us this great nation. Steel Magnolias reduces me to a blubbering mess.
18 months 17 days. You will never get over it, you might get through it. I’m still working my way through it. Good luck to you.
What a beautiful tribute to your aunt! Having lost my wonderful sweet Mother in March, I know the pain of losing someone so dear to you. But I’ve also come to realize that their love never leaves you, but continues to nurture and inspire you. The devastating difference though is that you can no longer communicate with them. But because of our belief in Jesus, I do have the glorious anticipation of seeing Mother again someday. I hope and pray you have that same anticipation with your aunt!
Thank you ALL for your uplifting words. I knew when posting on FR, support would be here! Just what I need in this time of mourning and celebration of a beautiful life. THANK YOU! ~ lyby
Your words about your aunt and family are so very touching. Thank you for sharing. I have been dealing with grief over the loss of my Dad for the past two years. You bring all the joy to words of what your loved ones mean to you. God bless you. Prayers going up for you my FRiend.
I can feel your intense sense of loss — the depth of your love for your aunt is reflected by your welling tears of sorrow. Thanks to God that he not only gave us a life together to live on earth — he also gave us eternal life, as well. Amazing how He wants us to live with Him — He must really love us.
My Aunt was the first person I was really close to that died. We were anything but close in age— I was born when she was 59! But she taught me so many life lessons and was always there for me when I needed something. She helped history come alive for me. I can’t say I know exactly how you feel but maybe a little— it was a stab in the heart and so painful. I decided that day to grow up (finally) at age 24 and take more responsibility for myself. She was always big on self reliance and responsibility. I wish my husband would have been able to meet her— we met 6 months after she passed away.
I send my prayers your way, and remember a good cry can be a good
thing. I still miss her terribly but can now mostly remember the good
times. I can laugh telling stories to my kids about her. Her life definitely enriched mine. Grieving is tough, but it will get better.
if you didn’t feel this way, she wouldn’t have really meant that much to you. it gets better, you know from others that have passed. but for each person you have to let grief/loss work its way through it and that’s where you are right now.
I've been through this with my grandfather and grandmother, my father, and just this past May my brother. Whenever I see an old barn still standing because it was built well... I think of my grandfather and his gnarled, carpenter's hands. Biscuits the size of a tuna can, or wonderful hot cornbread? My grandmother is smiling at me because that was her specialty. A beautiful sunset, or a red-tailed hawk? Dad is saying "Hi son! I'm right here with you..." Or if I hear "Long Train Running" by the Doobie Brothers (or any other of a myriad of songs my brother used to play drums to or sing in his bands over the years) my brother is right there in the passenger seat next to me, reminding me that things are okay, and that he hasn't felt this good in years.
Just pay attention... She is not really gone. Know that she is looking down and smiling at you, and that love transends death... She wants you to be happy and to understand that her leaving this earth is not the end, but is instead just a step in the journey.
My prayers for your peace and comfort go up to Our Father in heaven. Lord, please be with lyby in her time of loss and heal her according to her needs... Amen
We grieve for our loved ones who died in Christ, but not like those who died with no hope. I have been to funerals for saved and unsaved people alike. To anyone with spiritual discernment, the differences are stunning.
May you find His comfort in the sweet memories of your aunt and the thoughts and prayers of FRiends.
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