Aunt Jackie

Sarah and I are headed to the cities in a few hours for Aunt Jackie's wake and funeral. Aunt Jackie is my dad's mother's sister. But she was much more than that to much of our family. From what I remember growing up, Jackie was a second mom to my dad and aunts. She was a second grandmother to a lot of us older cousins. When my grandma (Jackie's sister) died, Aunt Jackie told us she couldn't replace her, but she'd gladly step in as grandma. Then Jackie's memory started getting worse... And worse... And worse. So did her health. It was hard for me to witness. I can only imagine what her children and grandchildren were going through. In the midst of this, my own grandfather was becoming more and more sick with cancer. I guess I just couldn't (or didn't want to) handle both. So I didn't "keep up" with Aunt Jackie. I'm sorry for that. 

As we all move through these next few days, let's pause to remember those who aren't with us - and to connect with those who are. 

All my love to the Edells. Light and love, Aunt Jackie. Give your sister a kiss for me.