Aunt Phyllis

My dear Aunt Phyllis is really my great aunt, and exactly what she is- great. She has written me letters for the past decade of my life and has never missed a birthday or an anniversary in our little family. I know we were not the only ones she kept track of, but she made us feel like we were. She would write these sweet letters about the weather and her garden and going to the market, and more importantly, she would ask about the children and know their names and activities. A few years ago her husband, my grandma's eldest brother- Tom, passed away. She continued to write us and included her expressions of longing for him. Her health has declined ever since his death and she has never stopped thinking of us (by keeping us in her letter circuit). Tonight my mom called and said her children have taken her off life support. I don't know if it was the graciousness or thoughtfullness or kindness of this wonderful woman, but I feel a loss, a deep loss in my life for someone who left such a beautiful legacy of love. I write this to pay tribute to a woman I can only pray to be more like-- one simple letter at a time. I love you Aunt Phyl and will cherish every word!