A Tribute

My great aunt died this past Wednesday.  She had Alzheimer's.

I guess most people don't get the chance to know their great aunts.  I'm one of the lucky ones.  Aunt Ella is my mom's aunt (her mom's sister).  Most of my memories of her are from stopping by her house on the way to and from Virginia to see other family.  Her house was at about the halfway mark of our 7-8 hour trips, so it was always a welcome sight no matter which way we were going.  She always, always greeted us with open arms and a table full of good food (she and Grandma were alike in that way).  My husband still fondly talks about the banana pudding she made that had strawberries in it instead of bananas on the only trip he got to meet her.  As young kids she would let us play in her carport and backyard so we could get out all the wiggles that inevitably get stored up in a young person on long car rides.  As older kids, she would regale us with stories of her childhood with Grandma and stories of her own children's younger days, especially ones with their cousin, Renee' (my mom).  In my mind she kind of became a substitute grandmother when my own grandma died, even though we didn't get to see her much.  She forever had a warm heart, a warm smile, a warm hug, and some warm food ready and waiting.  No trip to Virginia will ever be the same again.

As horrible as it sounds, I am somewhat relieved I didn't get to interact with her as much in her later days as Alzheimer's took its toll.  I know how devastating it can be to watch someone slowly lose their grasp on reality and their own identity.  This way I can selfishly keep her preserved in my own heart and memory as the great Aunt Ella she always was.

Here's to you, Aunt Ella.  *Raises water bottle full of Gatorade*  I wish I could ride all three days for you this year; but know that on July 18 every pedal stroke to Newberry is for you.

We'll miss you.