Saying Goodbye

My Aunt Betty died this Saturday.

Her death almost came as a respite after a long while fighting disease that robbed her of her memories and quality of life. It is nice to know she is now at peace, with no more pain or suffering, and with her beloved parents, husband and other family that went along before her.

She ended her struggle with her children and grandchildren beside her, at home and free from the confines of a hospital. It was as it should be, as much as these things ever really are. I grieve for our loss of such a special lady as much as I grieve for her children's loss of a treasured mother and grandmother.

More than I grieve, though, I am so happy that we had Aunt Betty in our lives for so long. She lived a long life, mostly happy, I think. She was able to experience her grandchildren bringing their own children into the world, something many people are not able to live long enough to do. I am blessed to have known her and--though I will miss her spirit and her easy laugh, the way she would do anything to make Sam laugh when he was little, the way she hung on his every word as much as my own parents did, the way she took as much interest in every one of her 20-something nieces and nephews' lives--treasure the moments we had with her for all of these years.

God bless you and keep you Aunt Betty. Say hello to Memaw, Papaw, Uncle Son, Uncle Ronny and all the others who have gone before us. We will miss you.