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| When I think of my aunt, I think of my long-dead ancestors, and remember those far-away days. This file photo is of the old Patullo Bridge in New Westminster, where my grandfather and my father were born, where I was born, where my young cousin and his brothers were born. |
One was my youngest cousin, whose life would have been beyond difficult if not for the care and dedication of my aunt. She and my uncle raised three sons, one with lifelong health problems, while she continued to teach school, which she did for 50 years!
Indomitable is the word that comes to mind when I think of my aunt.
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| New Westminster, BC |
However, I am now flying to the west coast to attend a memorial service for another young man, one I knew since he was a little boy and I was his babysitter in my home town, White Rock, BC.
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| White Rock, BC |
Every now and then I find myself thinking:
It isn't right. It isn't fair!
I am the eldest cousin!
I am the former babysitter!
Even though I don't like it, that is the way of the world.
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| Vancouver, BC |
Death makes us appreciate life. Death brings back memories from the far reaches of our minds, and we are grateful for the time those young people had on this earth. Even as we mourn, we are grateful for those lives that were lived, however short or however long.
Shane and Jim — I still love you.
Posting these memories for
14 comments:
Hari OM
Beautifully told, Kay. My condolences to all who feel this loss. Safe travels. YAM xx
Life isn't about fair. It just is.
We simply must enjoy each day.
It is too short. Every life is too short, whether we are young or very, very old.
So sorry for your losses.
Worth a Thousand Words
Thank you for sharing your difficult times as well as the good! It isn't easy to do and you do it well.
Life blows cannot be dodged. Heartfelt condolences to you and all bereaved.
Re your query on my post, the birds are alive but maybe in a coma. They are being bought by a retailer who will slaughter and pluck them for resale.
So very sorry to hear this! Be well.
Sorry you have lost a few young people you knew and loved. Enjoy your visit with your aunt. I hope the sun will come out for you Kay.
Kay, so sorry for your loss. Life is short and we must all live and enjoy each day we are here. Sending my prayers for you and the family.
It is sad when somebody too young passes away. I've seen too much of it in my friends, including murder, drunk driving, and cancer.
Kay - as hard as it may be to say, the time we had with loved ones is better than no time at all. Last year, my oldest sister lost her husband, and it made me realize we have probably turned the corner from weddings and births to funerals. All the more reason to celebrate every day we have, for ourselves and with those we love.
So far I have been 'lucky' in that not many in my family have died. But as the years go on, I realise that that luck will soon change. Although I hope it's the elder generation that passes first. It would be so hard to see the younger ones go first.
I've gone through that this year too. My mother still suffers from the loss of her younger sister. She can't understand why she died first since she was younger and in even better health. Sometimes life is just to be appreciated and enjoyed since it doesn't always make sense.
beautifully said.
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