Her essence, I think, lives on in many of the people whose lives she touched, but it especially lives on in my two sisters and me. She used to say, "Some day you will want to bite your elbow, and you won't be able to." She'd give us this knowing look with her playful eyes. I never knew what she meant back then, but I think I do now.
Let me just list a few of the things I miss about her.
1. Her loyalty. She was always on my side. If I cried, she cried.
2. Her undying energy, she was the antithesis of laziness. I often think of her when I am pushing myself really hard, especially around the house.
3. Her love of family and her insistence and hard work to ensure that we (our siblings) always stick together (we do!)
4. Her courage to face so many hardships and still forge on.
5. The slight overbite that she'd get while laughing.
6. Her dedication to her appearance. I NEVER saw her in slacks. She never left the house (as I often do) unkempt or improperly dressed. I have to admit that often I thought it was vanity to a fault, but now, when I realize how hard she worked, I must admire her dedication.
7. Her ability to always make me feel better, no matter how sad or angry or desperate or hurt I felt.
8. Her cooking and dedication to the comfort and value of good, slow food, plus the joy she instilled in me of big family meals. And her ability to welcome anybody to the table.
9. The smell of her house, which was always pristine. I can still smell that smell on a few of her things, especially the beaver hat which is still in the box. I have not worn it in a year, but I refuse to throw it away. Sorry to break that one-year rule she taught me (must admit I break it quite a lot).
Hi up there in Heaven and happy birthday, Auntie. I miss you!
xxxoooxoxoxoxo.
Cousin Anne, another of her dear friends (left), with Charlie, and Aunt Helen, with newborn Cynthia.
Aunt Helen in our Swedish house, with Ceasar (who fell in love with her!) and Patti.
Aunt Helen with Charlie at Cathy's house.