Submitted by Elizabeth
My father, Joe, and his older sister Celia should have been twins. Not only did they look alike, but they were thick as thieves. They shared an unbreakable bond that proved to transcend life itself. My father passed away several years ago, and we just lost Aunt “Sally” today. She was two months shy of her 96th birthday. I am very grateful that she went quickly.
When I spoke with her last week, she told me that she had been talking to my father. I knew her time was near. She said she kept telling Joe to bring her shoes so she could go home. As heartbreaking as it is knowing that I am losing my aunt, I’m comforted. My dad is with her. She is ready to cross over. She’s doing it on her terms. She is at peace and patiently waiting for my dad to take her home.
When my father passed, she sat with me to write his eulogy. What a night. We were both in pain, trying to honor the man we loved so dearly. We reminisced and laughed at the good memories. Then we remembered how much we missed him, and we would have a drink and cry. We helped each other grieve and honor my dad that night. I’m sure the alcohol played a part as well. When we read what we had written the next day, we couldn’t believe it. It looked more like a comedy skit than a eulogy. We rewrote it so as not to be disrespectful. As painful as that time in my life was, those will always be some of the fondest memories I have with my aunt.
In the last conversation I had with Aunt Sally, I asked her how she was on this beautiful, blessed day. She told me, “I’m fine. I’m just waiting for Joe to bring me my shoes.”
