Another Generation Lost

There really is a circle of life you know.  Families get it.  At least old fashioned families do, I think.  Growing up, ours was a family where family holidays included grandparents, great aunts and uncles, all of their children and children's children, aunts and uncles and cousins.  We weren't perfect.  There were differences, but we loved each other.  ....And we knew each other.  To some degree, I have been able to continue that with my own children and their growing families.  They all know who these people are, they have met them and spent time with them.  We have gone to each other's weddings and sadly to their funerals.

A few days ago, the last of my grandfather's generation passed away.  Her legacy is her family, as she raised seven children.  I have watched over the years as her children and grandchildren have loved and respected her.  I have watched this family grow to include great-grandchildren. 

She has spent 31 years without her husband after her passing.  Her children always made sure she was safe, happy, and mostly loved.  That is a tribute to all of them, and sadly something you don't always see in today's world of self-centeredness. 

One by one, as her siblings passed, this strong lady became the sole matriarch of our family.  Sometimes she shared stories, sometimes she just sat and listened and watched the activity around her.  Sometimes she got very vocal about the activity around her! 

I can remember being at a get together and her hollering at someone (not even one of her own) for playing to rough with a child.  I can remember being at a wedding and having her loudly proclaim her concerns before the ceremony.  And, I can remember her being furious at two funerals because of the flowers.  In her opinion, it was a waste of money! 

Well, my beloved Aunt, I know that you will have many flowers at your funeral.  They won't necessarily be in pots or vases.  They will be the faces of your children, your grandchildren, your great children, your nieces, your nephews, your friends.  They are your legacy.  They are your love.  May you spend eternity in the heavens with your beloved husband and your family who went before you.  May your memory be eternal!