In memory of my aunt

I rarely see my mom cry. She is one of the strongest women I know. The matriarch of her family. But this morning she walked into my bedroom with her eyes welled up with tears. She reminded me that 18 years ago she was not the matriarch of her family. Her sister was.



In 1986 her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and in 1991 she lost her battle. She was 51 years old.

I still remember my aunt so vividly. Her beautiful hand writing on recipes my mom still uses. Watching her standing behind the counter of her doughnut and pastries shop while my mom painted a mural on the wall. How she sat next to me assembling the Hello Kitty miniature doll house she bought for me. Her incredible hospitality and generosity. Her love.

Unfortunately, I also vividly remember the day she died. I was working an ice cream social & bingo event at the local retirement home (the service work I did for National Charity League). My mom was going to pick me up afterward so we could head over to the hospital to see my aunt. Instead my dad showed up. I knew. She was gone and I didn't get that last chance to say good bye.



I still remember my aunt and in honor of her I will be starting my mammograms next year when I turn 35. My mom will keep cooking from her sisters recipes.

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