Friday, November 22, 2013

10 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 6

Today I am thankful that I got to see my aunt Betty one last time before she passed away.

Yes, today's thanksgiving post is a heavier topic, but such is life.  I was blessed to get to visit my aunt Betty one last time in August.  She passed away the day after I saw her, so I got home just in the nick of time.  I had already sent her a goodbye over email as I didn't want to risk having any words left unsaid, but it was wonderful to see her one last time. 

She was actually doing well when I saw her that day.  I'll never forget how she blew bubbles in her 7-up to make her baby grand daughter laugh.  It was a bit surreal when she passed away the following day as I really felt she had more time.  But she had fought far longer than most would have or could have, and I know she is in a better place now.  I am just so grateful that I got to give her one last hug. 

14 comments:

Abby said...

I am glad you were able to see her one last time before she said goodbye. She was such a beautiful and inspiring woman!

missris said...

I'm so so glad you were able to see her before she passed away. That closure can be such an important part of the goodbye and grieving process.

Nora said...

This gave me goosebumps. I'm sure she was thankful she was able to see you, too!

Marlys said...

That post brought tears to my eyes! I think of her almost every day, and she will never be forgotten. She taught us so much about living, but the best lesson I learned from her was how to die with grace and laughter and deep abiding faith in God! May the soul of Betty Dotzenrod rest in peace! Amen.

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

I'm so glad you got to see her before she passed away too :) Hugs.

San said...

I am so glad you got to spend time with her. Those are precious memories for sure!

Charis Faith said...

Such a precious memory to have!

Amber said...

While it is a heavier thing than other things to be thankful for I also think it's definitely something so so worth being thankful for. I'm so glad you managed to get home to see her too. XO

Jeanie said...

I remember when this was going on -- I am so grateful you had that opportunity, too. I think she may have waited for you.

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

((())) I'm so thankful I was with my one grandma has she passed away. While it was so very hard, I know I'd regret not being there. She deserved as much. <3

Stephany said...

This is something to be SO thankful for. Especially the fact you saw her on a good day. Such divine intervention that you were able to give her one last hug before she passed away.

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

This warms my heart :-)

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I believe that people hang on long enough to say their goodbyes (if/when possible). Your Aunt Betty knew you were coming to visit and held on long enough to see you. After that, I think she let her body succumb to her illness. Amazing you got those final hours with her.

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

It was like she waited for you. My uncle was the same way. I went home to see him and then he passed a few days later. I was glad to have been there to say goodbye before he went.