Saturday, January 06, 2007

In Memory

German's dad had a falling out with his sister a long time ago. He cut off all contact with her. His expectation was that his sons would do the same. But, when German was an adult contact was established with his aunt. She and her husband were always gracious and knew that my FIL would come first and they would step out if he learned of the relationship that was being established. But my FIL withdrew from his sons' lives long ago as well, so it was not an issue.

A few weeks before our wedding, we received a phone call asking if FIL was coming to the wedding. When we said no, she said "then we will." She and her husband flew from Tucson to Spokane the morning of our wedding, met me for the first time, attended the wedding in the afternoon, and flew home to Tucson that evening. That, my friends, is a sign of love.
Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

They made four trips to see us in Alabama, including coming to German's graduation when he received his MBA. There was a rumour that my FIL might "surprise us" that weekend. Aunt Jo said she would just fade into the crowd if there was a sighting of her brother, to not worry about them if that happened. It, of course, didn't happen.

In September 2004 she buried her husband after a long battle with lung cancer. The next week she was diagnosed with breast cancer followed quickly by an additional diagnosis of lung cancer (different cancer, not metastasized). She fought valiently and with humour through three rounds of chemotherapy.Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Just before Christmas she made the decision not to struggle through a fourth round. The doctors' did not feel that they could enhance quality of life and felt they could add only a few months of quantity of life. German spent the week before Christmas with her in Arizona. They had a wonderful visit and he was able to say his good-byes while she was in good spirits and feeling fairly well.Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

On December 28 Aunt Jo entered into hospice care. At 0115 MST on December 31, she entered heaven. Her memorial service is this weekend. She will be missed by a daughter and son-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law, a granddaughter, a grandson, and a nephew and his family who are so very grateful that she took the risk and allowed herself to be family when the odds were against us.


Rest in Peace
Aunt JoAnn
We Love You!

8 comments:

Margaret said...

Praying for peace for your family. What a wonderful giving woman. I know German will miss her.

Ame said...

they are the kind of people that make God so real in life. what a gift and blessing to you and your husband that i know you will share with another someday :)

Janis Rodgers said...

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman. I am praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this time. Blessings to you!

Grafted Branch said...

Sorry to hear of your loss, but rejoicing in her delivery from a sick and tired body!

And what a special gift it must have been for you husband to be able to spend that time with her before she went Home.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful memory - thank you for sharing Miriam. It is so wonderful that you had a great relationship to your husband's aunt. I am sure that the angels rejoiced when she went to her eternal home. Don't you just look forward to our eternal home some days - where there are no more tears and no more pain? I know I am...

Tina said...

What a beautiful tribute! I only hope that you find comfort as you have been so wonderful to give me. (((hugs))) Praying for everyone.

my4blessings said...

What a wonderful legacy this sweet lady leaves! Hugs to you as you grieve this loss.

Anonymous said...

She sounds like a wonderful lady, all class. I'm so very very sorry for your family's loss - you will be in my prayers.