Aunt Mary

12/14/2014

I am going to depart from my usual topics just for a moment. An extraordinary event took place this past week and it has been laid on my heart to share this.

My Aunt Mary passed away on August 19th, 2014. She is one of our last family members. She is my Mother's brother's widow. When I was very small we would go to her house and have the best times. When I was very ill in 1978 Aunt Mary came to New York to be with my Mother and Father just in case the surgery I was having did not go very well. The first voice I heard coming out of anesthesia was my Aunt Mary saying, "Come back to us sweetheart, wake up, you need to come back to us now." I never forgot her compassion and kindness.

This past week we received a Christmas card from Aunt Mary.  I just want to share what was in this card.

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me. dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

The funny thing about Alzheimer's is JW can remember things from 50 years ago but he cannot remember this morning. He still can tell you stories about the mountains and where he worked and what he did as a child and young adult.

What ever higher power you believe in just remember during this special time of year that without that higher power it may be hard to make it through the tough times. Sometimes you need a shoulder to lean on. I would never have guessed that I would be leaning on Aunt Mary's shoulder again this year. Thank you, Aunt Mary, enjoy your Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Phyllis

published with permission from Bonna, Aunt Mary's daughter.