23.9.10

Sounds of family

There's not much to be happy about when you have to bury the woman who treated you -- loved you -- like a grandchild. But if you knew my Aunt Runt, you knew she loved to laugh and she loved to dance to some old time music.


And so after the funeral and burial yesterday, that's what we did. We sat and laughed and danced and sang as her son, grandson, and nephew played. The house felt full with her memory, yet so empty without her presence. I imagine she had to shake her head when Bella stood to dance and Ethan clapped in time to the music.

The laughter came in staccato bursts whenever anyone repeated stories about Aunt Runt -- especially in conjunction with her husband, my Uncle Reuben (who is a legend in and of himself). But Runt wasn't the only one who was with us. So was my Papa and my Uncle Tom and Aunt Dot. All the brothers and sisters who shaped and made Runt who she was -- the baby, the tough ol' broad.

And at the end of the day, there was Uncle Fred. Representing for the brothers in black nylon knee socks and a cap popped up on his head. He could've been my Papa standing there (though Papa's hat was usually blue). 


Looking at him made my heart ache ... in a really good way. Death is a reminder of what you can never have again, but it's also a wake up call to love the hell out of what you do have while you have it. I'm listening.

***This post is part of Wordful Wednesday***

5 comments:

  • Anonymous

    Those are great photos, and great memories. I'm sorry for your loss.

  • Moore Minutes

    Your last sentence says so much. What a blessing to have your heart connected to your lost loved ones in that way though. It's a treasure. Death is never easy. :( ((hugs))

  • Rudri

    I think your last two sentences sums up this post perfectly. Sending you hugs during this difficult time.

  • Cathy Reaves

    I'm sorry for your loss. I just went through this in June and "The house felt full with her memory, yet so empty without her presence." really brought me back to our celebration of her life.

  • Cheryl

    "Death is a reminder of what you can never have again, but it's also a wake up call to love the hell out of what you do have while you have it." Yes. Words to live by.

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