It Has Been A Hard Couple of Days

I mentioned a little bit ago that my Aunt (also my God Mother) was not doing well.  We thought she was recovering and would be around a little longer, but as we found out she was ready.  I am sad to report that my MamiBit passed away on Monday- very early in the morning.  She is now at peace. 

J and I continued our debate on what was best for the family and in the end we decided that I would fly in to be with the family while J stayed in Houston with the crowd.  My trip to St. Louis was not for a joyous occasion but I planned to enjoy my time with my family.  The wake was a good Irish wake with lots of laughing and remembering when. 

I know it sounds bad but I love a good wake.  I enjoy seeing all those people and hearing their stories of how the recently deceased touched them in some away.

My in-laws were actually the first non-family to stop by the funeral parlor.  It was so nice to see them.  J's sister N looked around the room and said, "Boy you can see the bloodline in this group.  I can tell you are all related!" 

We may not be the prettiest group of people but I am honored to be one among these truly beautiful souls. 

At the wake I was able to visit with family, and for the first time in 6 years I was together with all my siblings and our mom.   

I didn't really react to the death until it was time to close the casket the morning of the funeral.  It is over, it really is.  All those emotions of missing her while we have lived so far away, all the love and support she gave me through the years, how much I adore my family, how much I was missing my own kiddos and hubby wishing they were there with me to hold me up at this moment, and the love I had for my aunt came rushing to me.

Her resting place was surrounded by the beautiful color of the leaves with the tower of the seminary in the background. 

Wow I am going to miss her and I am so thankful for all the times we sat and talked about the world, or made photo books for the kiddos in the family, or enjoying Steak - N- Shake.  These are all memories that I will hold close to my heart.  At this moment of strong emotion my cousin reached over and hugged me and whispered in my ear.  I was reminded that my aunt really loved me and I should not forget that. 

I know she did!  And I am so glad that I was blessed to have had her in my life.  I was ok the rest of the day until it was time to say goodbye to my cousins.  I cried as each set of family members left. I owe them my thanks for always being so open to me, and letting their mom spoil me as their youngest child even though I was just the niece.  I was asked to give the eulogy and it was a true honor to do so.  I will post that as a separate post (she deserves that.)

I did want to post about the wake and the funeral so that I will not forget how blessed I am to be a part of this family.  Bye MamiBit, I will always love you and I am so thankful for you in my life. 

Eternal rest grant unto her,

O Lord;

and let perpetual light

shine upon her.

May she rest in peace.

Amen.