Welcome back!
We were saddened last week by the death of my Dad’s sister, my Aunt Vi. She was 92-years-old at the time of her death. She and Dad had spoken by phone almost daily since the death of her husband in 2001, which was especially helpful to Dad after the death of his wife (my mother) in 2004. They were a great support to one another during the later years after having been extremely close for much of their lifetime.
All of us in the family have many great memories of combined Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday dinners while my grandparents were still alive. Also, many travels around the United States took these two siblings and their family and friends to every state in the Union.
We have many slides, photos and videos of hours of fun through the years including riding three wheel hondas at The Ranch, riding the rapids in canoes or inner tubes, playing golf, playing cards, hosting wedding and baby showers which were often co-ed, and many other get togethers.
My brother is currently in the process of transferring and editing numerous videos into digital format and has posted a number of snippets on Facebook. He just uploaded one that include my Aunt Vi and Uncle Dutch, my mother and dad, and another aunt and uncle. It was fun to watch and to hear their voices once again. When he is finished we will also have dvds that we can enjoy as we look back at some of the fun times as a extended family unit.
As the life span continues to increase, many families will enjoy such times of multi-generational get togethers. To see men and women enjoy their grandchildren and great-grandchildren for an increasing number of years is heart-warming.
Aunt Vi was much loved by many. The turnout at her funeral was amazing for someone of her age and speaks of the number of lives she touched. She was an inspiration to many of us who have memories of how she made a difference throughout the years.
During this holiday season, take time to show those who are elderly how much you appreciate their continued presence in your life. This is a great time to thank them for the positive ways they have touched your life. You will someday be glad you had the opportunity to make a difference in their life as they have made a difference in yours.
