I don't usually do this, but I have to get it out..I need to be transparent with you...Here goes...
We all celebrate birthday's. As we get older, we get wiser, we get wrinkly and we get more experience. Now, my birthday happens to be May 25th, and every 7 years or so, I get to celebrate my birthday on Memorial Day. (that's the way it lands on the calendar) So, 14 years ago, May 25th, it's Memorial Day and I am at my friends house, out for the evening and I find out that my Uncle Tom had been killed in a car accident. Being only a junior in high school at the time, and not experiencing much in the death category, I was crushed.....I had just visited with both my Uncle Tom and my Aunt Mary a few weeks prior. It seemed surreal.
Now fast forward those same 14 years.....and while it wasn't the same day...but close enough, my Aunt Mary went to be with her maker on May 24th this year... She had fought a long battle with Alzheimer's. Here burial is in Burlington, IA.
Let me tell you a few things about my Aunt and Uncle:
1. Never did they have a negative thing to say about anybody
2. Never did I see or hear of them arguing about anything
3. They always had a smile on their face (even when I ran through their screen door and broke it)
4. They always took the time to get to know what we (my sister and I) were into.
5. And most importantly....They didn't pass judgement on anyone. Not matter what mess my sister and I got into, they were there to teach, smile and help, in ALL circumstances.
6. I knew they loved each other and God....they were the type of people that you want to be like...
Here is what I know:
I write this knowing that the visitation is tomorrow....
I write this knowing the funeral is Monday
I write this knowing my sister, mom and dad will be in attendance, while I am unable to go.
I write this knowing that when my Aunt was passing away, she told her daughter that she, "couldn't wait to dance with Tom again."
I write this knowing that when my dad was told she had passed away, he said that he thought she already had. (he has Alzheimer's too)
I write this wondering if there is some significance as to the timing of both their deaths?
I write this knowing that each year my birthday comes up I will be sweetly reminded of my Aunt and Uncle, the love they have and the understanding that I should be more like they were.
I write this knowing that I have great memories of them both and will one day see them again....
I write this not looking for pitty because they both died on or near my birthday
I write this because they both had a significant effect on my life
~M