Lessons At A Funeral

We arrived from LasVegas at 2 am on Saturday and were greeted with a somber message on our answering machine.

“Aunt Betty passed away while you were in LasVegas.”

Aunt Betty wasn’t an Aunt by blood but by a long time standing friendship with my Hubby’s grandparents. Regardless, she was an Aunt because she had an infinite love for my Hubby and his brothers that was most definitly reciprocated. She was the type Aunt that you approached with caution upon meeting as she was a well known smother kisser and cheek pincher. But that’s what made her so wonderful.  She greeted family and strangers alike. She just made you feel, welcomed, comforted, and loved. She was a special woman indeed.

When we arrived at the funeral, Uncle Ed, her husband of 55 years, had greeted us at the door. Much to our surprise he was all smiles welcoming us not to a funeral but rather to a celebration of life. He looked upon pictures of his wife with pride. You could see his eyes swell with love as he recalled the details of every picture. When he came upon a picture from their wedding he said:

“Yup, married 55 years, 2 months and 4 days to be exact. Life doesn’t get any better than living with the one you love for that long. That’s all you need in this world really. If you’re as lucky as me, than you’re rich with happiness and memories. That’s all you need in this funny journey of life I’m telling you.”

 Those are words to live by.

Aunt Betty, you are going to be missed my dear.  Thank you for enriching our lives with love, happiness, big giant kisses and cheek pinches.

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