The last member of my family's eldest generation is near death.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

My sister just called me- one of our other sisters who still lives in Indiana told her that our beloved Aunt Wilma is approaching the end of this life. It could happen at any time, from hours to weeks. She resides in a good nursing home, so her final moments will be comfortable and in the presence of caring hands.

Old Aunt, as we kids have called her for many years (a term of endearment she accepted as such) was always the family favorite. She stayed single all her life, choosing instead to live with her mother and help her through her final years. She was Grandma's companion and nurse, caring for her as she developed the cancer that finally stole her life in 1969. Aunt Wilma helped raise us all- she had all the coolest kid toys at her house, and she always had plenty of time to play with us whenever we decided to visit her.

I never saw her angry, although she could be exceedingly stern when it was called for. She always kept a vegetable garden in the summer, so there was always plenty of fresh or home-preserved food on hand. She used to teach a children's Sunday School class at the church we attended- I was devastated the day I found out I was too old to stay in her class any more. It hurt for a long time.

Wilma Pontzius has always been the best among all of us. She's a special soul, and when she crosses the Golden Bridge it will leave a hole in my heart the size of a blazing sun. I will miss her joy, her laughter, her wisdom, and her very presence.

Good bye, Old Aunt. The world will be a darker place without you in it.

[mike_c]

1. sounds like a life lived very well....

We should all be so lucky to leave such memories when we go! Your aunt sounds like a wonderful woman.

[grasswire]

2. she's one of the generation of women who could do ANYTHING.

Weren't they amazing?

Much of that wealth of practical knowledge is lost to later generations since women have left homemaking and families have been disrupted by geographical location.

Maybe it's too early to count her out, though. My Aunt Ruth was barely hanging on early this year, certain to die nearly every day. The nursing home moved her to a room with a bright window and she improved sensationally. She's eating and playing games with the group now, in the solarium. She can't stand up yet, but is way stronger and her mind is clear. Back to her old bossy self!

Here's a salute to all the strong women who have improved our lives.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear Prisoner_Number_Six....

What a beautiful and moving tribute to your beloved Aunt...

But don't forget: That which is remembered, lives...

She will always be a part of you...

And when you need her, all you have to do...is look.

Still, I hear you...:pals:

Safe passage to her...

Hugs for you...:hug: :hug: :hug:

[applegrove]

4. You'll never forget her. Those memories will stay with ya forever. And when

you think back to those days - you'll laugh and wiggle both your ears. Here is to Great Aunts!