Driving to work in the morning. Had stayed over night at my Aunt and Uncle's to take care of their puppies while my Uncle sat by the side of my dying Aunt. When I saw this sunrise I knew this would be the day. Filled with so many colours that she loved. I often wonder if she had already left by then, was already deep within those colours wishing me farewell.
But life, it doesn't stop for death. Big boxes are found for little boys who just keep playing. And even though they were not sheltered from this shift in life; they sat by her side with me, reading stories and singing songs, watching their Mama oh so closely when she cried at a story read a million times to them dry eyed. Children, they know this best of all. Life doesn't stop for death.
About this time exactly. The calls came in. The tissue piled up. The scotch line in all our glasses lowered.
And here we are. Time is so funny, I could swear this happened only yesterday and yet sometimes it feels like forever ago. Mostly, it just is still so surreal.
You are deeply missed Aunty Andrea.
PS.
Seven years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma (skin cancer). I was lucky enough that it was caught quickly and they were able to remove it all. My Aunt was not so lucky, by the time she too was diagnosed with melanoma, she was already gone to us. Please do your loved ones all a favour and get yourself thoroughly checked by a doctor once a year for any suspicious skin activity (I mean it, even where the sun don't shine, its a nasty disease that can hide in the many places).
Much love to you all.
I too lost my mom by melonoma cancer,thanx for ur thoughts.your words have great depth
ReplyDeleteThank you for this reminder.
ReplyDeleteI am tardy with my annual skin visit.
Will do...( remind me again, OK?)