Nov 20 2008
Love at first sight
It’s November 20th, 2008. The one year anniversary of losing my Aunt Gail. My friend….my secret keeper. I spoke of her in an earlier blog, and how sad I was. Few people truly knew what she and I meant to one another. She was truly the only person in the world that kept my secrets. She took them with her.
As she had no children of her own, my next eldest sister, Heather, and youngest brother, Chuck, and myself were the closest things she had. Not to show any disrespect towards my mom’s mom, but Nana died when we were very young, and given that there were 17 years between mom and Aunt Gail…..she was more like out grandmother. I lived with her during the rough years of my life- when I felt like I couldn’t go home. Later in life, she moved in with me. We literally had cuddle time…..an obnoxious time of the night when I would hop in her lap in the recliner and yell “Cuddle time!” She just giggled. One year ago tonight, I cuddled with her one last time, while she went to be with Jesus. I miss her so much.
She once told me “When I saw you the very first time, it was love at first sight.” I obviously don’t remember my first thoughts of her- but I do know that as far back as I can remember, she was always there. She was always my personal cheerleader, and she never judged. I know there were things I did that she didn’t approve of, but she loved me. And love trumped all.
Tonight, while I am missing her so much, I am feeling blessed. Blessed to have had her in my life as long as I did- though I still feel like I’ve been robbed. Blessed to have had such a wonderful person in my life and blessed to be comforted knowing that she is with our Lord and Savior.
Tonight, I am sitting at my computer typing this and I have a beautiful creature laying at my feet occasionally licking my toes. What does this have to do with Aunt Gail? While today is a hard day for me, I have been given a wonderful opportunity. Tongiht, I went and picked up a new addition to my family. A beautiful three year old boxer named “Nellie.” She is a new beginning. And when I first saw her, all I could say was “It’s love at first sight.”
I am sorry for your loss. By reading this blog, it saddened me that you get so close to someone and then they are taken away. I’m glad that you focus on the good things though. I like “Nellie” as a name for a Boxer. It’s really cute!