Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Aunt Jo

My adorable, 93-year-old Aunt Jo died about 40 minutes ago - not unexpected - sad nevertheless. Joey was one of the most warm-hearted, tolerant and loving people I've encountered. She had a hard life, was the second youngest of ten - one of my mother's sisters - married to a dispicable man who scarred everyone in his path. Still, Joey forgave, was tolerant, and sought joy and positive energy.

I spent Sunday with her at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills - it was to say goodbye. She was having trouble letting go - her body was done, she was tired, but her mind was as sharp as ever - and she sought permission from all of us. So that's what we did - one by one, people went in to say "I love you, it's okay, you're tired, it's okay, good-bye."

And she waited until today to die so that we'd all get to vote. Her own ballot was marked on Sunday, my cousins turned it in today to the polling place - even though she voted for the wrong guy for President, she wanted us all to have the chance.

17 comments:

Fran said...

My sympathy & regards to your family.
Sounds like your Aunt lived a full life, and good the family could gather round to say their goodbyes.

Laura Paine Carr said...

Oooh. Bless you and your family. I love the last line of the 3rd stanza of your poem-post. What an honorable thing to do, casting her vote. Thank you for sharing this with us all today.

Dr. Monkey Von Monkerstein said...

Hugging you.

themom said...

I so sorry for your loss - oh the memories you must have. Those are something you can never lose.

Billie Greenwood said...

It is hard to lose someone so dear. It is hard to lose the last of that generation. You're in my thoughts and prayers, Diva. XXOO

Mariamariacuchita said...

regards and hugs, dear Jood. Thinking of you today.

billie said...

hugs to you- and your family is a class act :)

Cormac Brown said...

I'm sorry for you loss.

Dianne said...

hugs Jood

Ms. Lea said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Jood. Hope all is well with you and your family.

Randal Graves said...

Sorry to hear this. Be well.

dguzman said...

Big hugs for you, Jood. Take care.

Utah Savage said...

I'm more concerned about your health. Keep us posted.

D.K. Raed said...

may your Aunt Jo find peace, Diva. it's hard to let go. sounds like she outlived the despicable hub, so that is somewhat of a triumph in & of itself. it also says a lot of admirable things about your family values that you all wanted her absentee ballot to be counted whether you agreed with her choice or not.

enigma4ever said...

oh that is so beautiful...and beautiful that you spent time with this wonderful lady...and like DK said- it says everything that you all wanted her vote counted....prayers and light to you....and your family.

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and your family, Jood.