More Than a Great Aunt

Today has been a rough day. My great aunt passed away on Tuesday,
Nov. 3 after a long and fulfilling life. She had lost her husband nearly 40 years ago; my dad mentioned today that he never got a chance to meet Aunt Helen's husband. She raised her four kids all by herself, never remarrying. Then her son died of a severe heart attack when he was only 20-something.

All my life, she has been a part of it. Every Christmas she gave us cousins (who, technically weren't even her grandchildren) one Christmas ornament. By the end, there were eight cousins, not to mention her six grandchildren. We all looked forward to Thanksgivings at her house where she'd have the ornaments placed in paper bags with our names on them. And the bags would be stapled. The ornaments were wrapped in Christmas paper, which we made sure to place beneath the tree. We stopped receiving them when we graduated high school, and that, honestly, was a sad time to see Derek bring home an ornament but not me. My mom was smart and put the years on each ornament (and to whom the ornament belonged), so when I moved out, I received all my ornaments from Aunt Helen.

For birthdays, she would send us a $5 bill every year. She was so thoughtful to do that. Again, that tradition stopped once we hit college. She sent my kids cards for their birthdays, too. A funny sidebar is that when my Aunt Helen turned 80 just 9 years ago, my dad started sending HER $5 bills for her birthday. Just to let her know that she's being thought of.

She attended our bridal showers and baby showers. She was there for graduation parties and summer get-togethers. She was the glue that kept our family together for Thanksgiving, hosting it numerous years at her house at Brookfield and a few times in Downers Grove. Just within the last few years it has moved to her son's house, but she'd still be there, reminiscing and joking with us. She had an infectious laugh and loved to hear what was going on with everyone.

My maid of honor for my wedding had a journal for guests to sign. I found it tonight and want to share what my wise Aunt Helen wrote:

Dear Darcy:
Words of wisdom? I could use a few myself, but will try to write something of lasting value!

The wedding ceremony was so nice, and your pastor gave much good advice--nothing--or very few things in marriage are 50-50! It doesn't hurt to "give in"--as long as it's done honestly with "no strings attached later."

Always cherish each other and each day appreciate the wonderful things you have. It never pays to envy anyone.

May you have a wonderful future together.

Much Love,
Aunt Helen

One of my cousins flew in from California for the funeral, and she said that she was met with mixed reactions when she said she was going home for her great aunt's funeral. She was SO much more than that. Heaven has gained a wonderful woman. I hope she's able to be with her two boys and keep watch over the rest of us. We will most certainly miss you here, though.