I visited my great Aunt Evelyn this morning. She is the last of my great aunts and uncles on my dad's side of the family. My grandmother on that side died before I was born, so the other sisters were very close to my dad and his brothers. When I lost my dad at an early age, they always doted on me.
Aunt Evelyn is the baby and is actually not much older than my dad would have been. She has been very spunky until just about 6 months ago. I call her on occasion and send cards frequently. With the moving of mom down here I really had not been to see her in quite a while.
Mom, Lindsay, and I decided to quit talking about it and actually go see her today. Lindsay was off today, so I called Aunt Evelyn yesterday to tell her we were coming.
At Christmas, she said she had fallen and injured her back quite badly. It has really put her down. She always walked 2 miles and kept her house and yard very neat.
I didn't take her picture today. She was fine, but quite a bit more feeble looking than I had seen her in the past. She said she would be 86 in May if she made it. I have actually never heard her say anything like that before. I didn't think I should take her picture.
I am so very glad I went and will not wait a year before I go back.
She was happy and jovial so her statement surprised me. She did crack me up on this...
She said she once heard a preacher say, "Good intentions were like crying babies in church, Both needed to be carried out."
She said in the most humble way though, as though she needed to come and see me.
Lindsay liked a little quote she had hanging on the wall... "When life gives you scraps, make a quilt."
We have a baby quilt she made when Lindsay was born.
It is important to visit your family. I am trying to be more intentional. If I wait until I have time, it won't happen. We are always busy.
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I love that quote and i am sure I will be using it in the future. I may have to tell it to myself. So glad all three of you went to visit your aunt. I last saw my Aunt Kathryn last January at my sister's 25th anniversary...I really wish I had been more intentional in that department.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at how feeble she looked in just one year. She has always been like my mom and looked so energetic. She said she felt her weakness which led to the fall just kind of turned on like a switch. I loved seeing her and it was a great morning. I think like you said it is not that we mean to see each other at funerals and weddings, we just get so busy with our lives that we don't take that time to do it.
DeleteI love those quotes too! I'll write them in my journal tonight. Since I don't live close to family, I try to call more often and 'visit' on the phone! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI thought they were worth sharing and to remember. I even need to remind myself to call my relatives and actually follow through. I get a little busy and forget that if you don't stop time will pass you by.
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