Monday, February 15, 2010

Just A Matter Of Time...

I received the news this morning.  It was something we all knew was going to happen.  It was just a matter of time.

But somehow, even though you are expecting it, you are never prepared.  Never ready for the loss you feel.

My sweet Aunt Elsie passed away this morning.  I loved her deeply.

She was 10 when my Dad was born.  She thought he hung the moon.  And her opinion of him never changed.

When my Dad fell in love with my Mom, his parents didn't share his joy.  I will never know why.  But Aunt Elsie wanted nothing more than my Dad to be happy and my Mom made him happy, so she loved her too. 

My grandparents never seemed to approve of me or my sister or my brother.  I will never know why.  But Aunt Elsie thought we were the greatest.

When my Mom was battling cancer, Grandma didn't come to help.  But Aunt Elsie did.  She cleaned.  She cooked.  Putting tons of meals in the freezer.  I still cook lasagna using her recipe.  She hugged.  She laughed.  She had the most infectious laugh of anyone I have ever known.

I didn't get to see her as much as I would have liked.  There are a lot of miles between New York and Tennessee.  But love covers many miles.  And I always knew that she would be there for me, welcoming me with open arms.

Rest In Peace
Elsie Ellen Swanson Cross
July 10, 1924 - February 15, 2010

11 comments:

Caution/Lisa said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Woody. What a beautiful woman she must have been. I suspect that you must be a lot like your aunt and that's a blessed heritage indeed :)

Mental P Mama said...

I am so sorry. She sounds like an angel...Hugs to you.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Woody, she sounds like an amazing woman.
Sorry for your loss, but happy you have wonderful memories of her.
xoxo
Suz

Linda said...

If your Grandma couldn't or wouldn't be part of your life, I'm glad you had Aunt Elsie! She sounds like a wonderful woman, and I'm so glad you had her.

May your memories of her be special every day!

Blessings to you!

Unknown said...

She sounds like such a truly beautiful person Woody. I am so thankful she shared her love with you. I am glad you had her! I will pray for you this week. I am sorry for your loss.

Lori said...

(((((Woody))))) I am sorry for this loss of this wonderful woman in your life. What a beautiful testimony of this woman. It brings tears to my eyes that you had someone so amazing in your life. Painful losses like this are not pleasant to go through but on the flip side it shows the wonderful relationship you had. The price we pay for having such love in our lives is the pain we experience in losing them. So while I send my sympathys for your life I rejoice that such a woman loved you. Love and hugs, Lori

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Woody,I am just at a loss for words here. I am soooo sorry baby. (hugs)
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Tammy said...

I'm sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman. It's great to have someone like that in your life.

Diane said...

Awww Honey.... She sounds like a lovely woman. And precious in your eyes. Remember to celebrate her.

Hugs...

big hair envy said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. Aren't we fortunate to have such beautiful memories of those who have gone on to a better place?

TheVinylVillager said...

sounds like she really left her mark on this world! So sorry for your loss, you'll be in my thoughts.