In loving memory

My aunt had the most infectious laugh.  Her eyes would light up, her mouth would smile and she would enjoy the humor of the moment.  She and another aunt would host a Christmas party or a Communion celebration at the fire hall.   I remember how she took care of my brother and me when my mother was in the hospital.  She would approach me with her new baby and ask me if I wanted to hold my new little cousin.  She always took the time to chat and was positive and affirming, concerned and interested.  I saw her in June at the family reunion, but my uncle and aunt left when the weather turned threatening and the tornado sirens blared.  Yesterday, on December 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, this very special aunt went home to Heaven. leaving her husband of more than 50 years, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren.   "Lord, grant her eternal rest.  And let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen."