A truly Great Aunt

My Great Aunt Katie passed away on Tuesday afternoon. I have been reflecting on many memories spent with both her and her husband Uncle Milfred and their families.

What does it mean to have Joy? To be able to laugh at yourself, when you do silly things. To laugh with others even when you have heard the joke before. To tell the same story over again, not being able to remember how many times you told it, but still make it interesting and laugh from the heart in the end. To get teased by the ones you love, and take it very well. Aunt Katie was all these and so much more.

My Aunt Katie was so full of Joy and contentment. She found such pleasure in the little things. She loved her garden and made the best pickles ever. She liked going for walks when we were over and to look around and enjoy the scenery of nature. She loved family and to be with family. She'd never miss a chance at a good game. Aunt Katie liked to watch Road to Avonlee, the Christy series and Seventh Heaven.
Aunt Katie made the best brown buns. She taught me how to make peppernuts. As a child we would go over at Easter time and paint or color Easter eggs. She loved watermelon, and would enjoy a sleigh ride every once in a while.
Uncle Milfred and Aunt Katie made the best chokecherry Jelly.
I always knew that Aunt Katie cared about me. That she cared and wanted to know about the little stories.
Aunt Katie and Uncle Milfred are just like Grandparents to me. When they heard I was going to Bible School they made sure they got my name to pray for me while I was there. When I went on my missions trip they supported me Monetarily and prayerfully. They were shining examples for me, and a great example of a healthy marriage.

So many times we forget the blessings that are in our lives. It is not until they are gone that we realize how much we have taken for granted.
It saddens me to think of the days in my life and her families lives that Aunt Katie will miss. Her Grandchildren's graduations, weddings, and great-grand children. I do not get to share with her that my dream of going to Africa is coming true, or that I will get married someday soon, or that God is breaking strongholds in my life.

But this one thing I know. That Aunt Katie's gentle yet strong spirit will spur me on. She has set great tracks for me to follow. I will follow them with all my heart, and know that I will see her again one day, that is just around the corner.