I have a large extended family, and we are all super close. On my Dad’s side especially, the cousins all grew up best friends, especially the 4 girls from my family and the 3 girls from my Dad’s sister’s family, because the 7 of us were all born within 7 years of each other. We grew up staying at each other’s houses, going to school with each other when one had the day off and one didn’t (for fun – aren’t we weird?), and we all love nothing more than to sit down and play a game of Scrabble and laugh our butts off together.
On Sunday morning we experienced one of the highest of highs possible in life – the birth of our son. On Monday morning we experienced one of the lowest of lows possible in life – the unexpected, sudden death of my aunt. She was literally my favorite aunt – full of joy and laughter and kindness. The emotional roller coaster we have been on this week has been full of gut wrenching highs and lows, and it’s been so hard to realize that I just couldn’t get back to MN to be with my family during all of this. Flying with a 5 day old during flu season scares me, so here I sit on my couch in Colorado, praying for my family, hoping that the funeral this morning will be full of laughter and happy stories, though I’m sure there will be plenty of tears in there too.
My aunt always said she didn’t want a sad funeral followed by the typical midwestern ham sandwiches, jello molds & lemonade, so instead they’re planning a celebration of her life today, and they’ll be serving tacos in a bag & have kegs of 1919 Rootbeer. I hope it’s a blast, just like my aunt would have wanted…
A little tribute to my Scrabble loving aunt, assembled by her husband. <3
This is beautiful, Josey. Just lovely. Keeping you so close in my heart. XOXO
I’m so sorry about your aunts sudden passing. Hugs.
I wish you could be there. What a nice tribute though <3
I’m so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself- that’s a lot of emotions to process (good and bad) in one week. Hugs
I’m so sorry. What a week you’ve had! You know she’ll be watching Harvey extra close from up above.
First congratulations on the healthy arrival of Harvey!
Second, I am so sorry for your loss – it is so hard not being able to be there – I remember how hard it was for me since my grandmother passed two days after Calli was born. Thinking of you.
So sorry for your loss, so sorry you can’t be there.
I’m so sorry for your loss Josey 🙁
So Sorry to hear of the loss of your aunt:(
Josey, I’m so sorry to hear of your beloved aunt’s passing. It sounds like she was a very special person and I’m sure she will be missed by everyone who knew her. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
What a week for your family. Josey, I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet aunt. She sounds like she was a wonderful wonderful human. Without even being present, she’ll pass those wonderful human traits on to Harvey and Stella, because you’ve incorporated them into your self. xo, friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine what the roller coaster of emotions must be like or how hard it must be to be unable to join your family.
Abiding with you during this impossible time.
Truly the circle of life. I have a pretty close extended family and our funerals and the lunch after tend to have much laughter in the midst of the sad. Which sometimes feels irreverent, but we know it’s what they want. A celebration of life and having all the cousins together. Been thinking of you this week. It’s hard when you can’t make it back home.
That scrabble board made in her honour is so special and such a wonderful thought. I am so so sorry for your loss and for this tough time for your whole family. I am glad you/they are choosing to celebrate her life at this time. Have been thinking of you!! xoxo
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