Saying Goodbye

April, 2025

Dear Mom,

What a blessing to be able to attend the celebration of life for my beloved Aunt Helen. At first I felt very sad but then I realized I was really thinking of your funeral, which was incredibly sad for me because you died so soon. Then I thought about Aunt Helen, who made it to her 101st birthday, and the wonderful visits we had with her during the last five years after she moved to Maine. What a gift to have such fun memories and share family stories with her.

At the interment, cousin Nancy asked me to read a poem that my brother had written shortly before his death along with a prayer I had written. I was thankful for that opportunity to include Charlie, who loved Aunt Helen deeply as well.

During the celebration the next day, nine people wanted to speak and I was the last. Listening carefully to the wonderful stories shared, I realized that we all were saying basically the same thing—Aunt Helen was a smart, creative, kind person and we all loved her very much.

Is there anything more wonderful, after one dies, than to have everyone share happy loving memories? It was a great reminder of what really matters in life. Certainly not fame nor money, but how we treat people. Aunt Helen was a perfect example.

I am sure you, along with Aunt Betty and Aunt Helen, were listening and smiling down on us. I miss you all but am so happy you are together again. You three were a shining example of the joy and strength that comes from family, especially among sisters.

I am sending you all big hugs.

Love,
Helen