The memories we will have...

It has been an emotional few weeks, but I thought it might be therapeutic for me to write and share how I'm feeling.  Last Saturday my Aunt Betts passed away.  Aunt Betts is one of my strongest memories from when I lived in Michigan many years ago.  I was born there and lived there until I was 8 years old.  My mother used this phrase recently, and I kindly repeat its truth...Aunt Betts loved us all is if we were her favorite.  No matter how many miles away I was and how infrequently I got to see her, that one card or phone call always made me feel that I was her favorite.  She had a way with words and smiles that surpassed everyone else.  She wore the best clothes, sent the best cards and gave the best hugs.  Last fall she traveled all the way to Vermont to visit my parents and grandparents and I jumped at the opportunity to spend time with her.  We went to Ben & Jerry's and to the Cider Mill...but more importantly we sat.  We sat in my mother's living room telling stories and laughing and winking.  Those three days last fall, meant more to me than any other time we had spent together.  Sadly, we knew that it would probably be the last time we were together, but not once did we say it out loud.  She had been sick for a while, but when I saw her she didn't show it.  She was the same spunky and strong woman that I had always remembered.  I can't be in Michigan this weekend to celebrate her life, but I will be here looking up at her because she was my favorite.