Aunt Willie Mae

Two months ago I wrote about her (here) giving me fresh vegies from her garden. Not too long after that day, her health went from bad to worse.

She fought long and hard.  My sweet Aunt Willie Mae just couldn't hold on any longer. The Dr did everything he could. My mother (her sister), my daughter, my cousin (her daughter), my uncle (her brother) and I were all with her, this past Tuesday evening, when she took her last breath.

God saw she was getting tired

And a cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around her

And whispered, "Come with me".

I thought I would break down and cry when this happened. But, I didn't. All I could think about was "oh my gosh. I was here when she went to Heaven." Just that fast. She was gone. She's in Heaven. She's in the arms of Jesus. 
It was that sudden. She is with HIM!
She no longer suffers. She was ready to go.

Aunt Willie Mae was a true southern woman. There wasn't anything this woman couldn't do. She was a tough woman too. She had a good life, but also had some hard times. She had a heart of gold and a great love for God and her family.  She spoke her mind. Her pastor said it well when he said "there wasn't ever any doubt about what was on her mind...because she let you know!"

My momma and my aunt were very close. Actually, they were inseparable. Always together. And when they weren't together, they were on the phone talking to each other. They would check in with each other daily. They took care of each other. They were true sisters. They needed each other. They depended on each other. The other sisters and brother passed away several years ago. Out of six children...now it's just my uncle and my momma.

I've been staying with my momma since a few days after my surgery. I sat with her for many hours in the ICU waiting room. She didn't want to leave the hospital. I didn't want to leave my momma.

After the beautiful service on Friday and all the family went home, I brought my momma home with me. I had my two grandsons with me this weekend also. I figured what better way to make her smile than to spend it with her great grandchildren. And it worked.

I took my momma home tonight. She's alone again. And I know she'll cry. I know she'll be sad. And it breaks my heart. But my momma is another tough woman. I'll continue to visit with her several days a week. And I'll continue to call her on the days that I'm not with her. But, I know...although I am her daughter and even though we are as close as we are, nothing can take the place of her sister.

We love you Aunt Willie Mae. 
You will be greatly missed!