Today, my great aunt’s body is being put in its resting place. Her beautiful spirit is already free in Heaven with my grandmother, her other siblings and all those people she loved, who have already passed on. My Aunt Mary Lou passed on Christmas day. She fought cancer for 28 years. She held on as long as she could to be with those she treasured most – her beloved husband, children and grandchildren. They knew how much she loved them, because she never held back in that regard.
My Aunt Mary Lou was my grandmother’s youngest sibling and the last of the five of them, to leave Earth, and to go to Heaven. I was the flower girl in her wedding. Unfortunately, as these things happen with extended families, lives get busy, and our relationship dwindled to seeing each other on the occasional wedding or funeral and exchanging Christmas cards. Still, I never doubted her strong love for me and my family, ever. I had heard in early December that hospice had been called. I went to a little chapel where I like to pray, on Hope St. (that’s a real place) There, I lit a candle for her. I texted her some pictures. She texted me back that she loved me and my family so much. I have a lovely little ornament on our Christmas tree from her. She sent it to me when I was pregnant with my first son. It is a wooden heart and on it, she hand wrote (she had lovely, distinctive handwriting), “Baby – we love you already.”
Aunt Mary Lou wasn’t very rich or very famous, or very educated, but she knew what counts. She knew what was really important and she lived it. She lived love. It’s that simple. Rest in peace, dear one. Thank you for touching my life.
My sympathies Kelly. Her living love lives on in you my friend. Sounds like heaven has another angel looking down.
It sure does! Thanks, Vicki. <3
So sooty to hear of the passing of Mary Lou. She was a very special and caring person. When I was battling cancer she sent me a Prayer Rock tied up in matetial and a ribbon bow. Attached was a book mark. Reading:
“I’m your little prayer rock and this is what I do: Just place me on your pillow and when the day is thought, you’ll turn back the covers and climb into your bed, then WHACK your little prayer rock will hit you on your head. Then you will remember the One who cares for you, and will kneel and say your prayers like you wanted to. When you are finish praying just drop me on the floor, I’ll stay there thru the night to give you help once more. As you get up the next morning, CHUNK I’ll stub your toe. My job is to remind you on your knees you go. now place me on your pillow when your bed is made, and your clever Little Rock will continue in your aid. I promise to remind you as you open and close each day to stay in touch with Jesus and encourage you to pray “
This rock and note from Mary Lou has been on my night stand since 1996 and I have thought and prayed for her and your families ever since. Thank you Mary Lou for your gift and for your life. Your God’s special person
Esther, that is so beautiful! She was always thinking of others. She was so faithful to God and felt a special closeness to Mary. Thank you for sharing that lovely story. <3
Sorry to hear about your great aunt’s passing. May the happy memories of her that you keep in your heart bring you comfort.
It sounds like she was a beautiful soul.
Thank you, Betsey.