Family-Life Reflections

Today, we buried my great aunt Florence. I never really called Florence my great aunt unless I wanted to explain the actual relationship to someone outside the family. And once that was out of the way, I'd revert back to saying aunt Florence.

Aunt Florence was a very small, very beautiful woman. She had a strong faith, a ready smile, a willingness to play, and a caring heart. She and my great uncle Bill raised two sons, and had four granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren. Florence also cared for ailing family members, opening her home to them. For all of Florence's wonderful qualities, Bill complemented her very well and shared 63 years of marriage with her.

While at today's funeral and contemplating this special woman and the extraordinary life she lived, I realized I had one regret in my relationship with aunt Florence: I never told her that I considered her to be my second grandma on my mom's side of the family. I believe she knew that was how I felt after our many discussions together, but I feel I should have said the words.

So at the family reception after the funeral, I didn't let the opportunity escape me to let uncle Bill know that I love him, and while I never knew my biological grandfather from that side of the family, I consider Bill to be that figure in my life. I wanted him to know that even though life will seem strange without aunt Florence and that he's happy her suffering is over, he continues to be important to family members like me.

Uncle Bill, you're the best substitute grandpa I could have asked for, I love you, and I'm here for you any time you need me to be there for you.