From an e-mail from my father, sent very early this morning (yesterday evening, US time).
I’m a little sad as I type this email. Just after we got home from the movies today I got a call from Aunt Jean’s doctor. I knew she wasn’t doing well and I was expecting such a call. Aunt Jean passed away around 3:30 this afternoon and I went to the nursing home after, to kiss her goodbye.
I’m glad we all got together in May to celebrate her 100th birthday and I’m trying to focus on all the happy memories I have. Whenever I spoke to Aunt Jean she always asked about you. She was very proud of you and I am very proud of you as well. Thats all I can say for now.
Dad
I have written about Aunt Jean before. And while I may have expected this, as well, I was not ready to see her go. As long as I have been alive – and as long as my father, before me, and his before him – she has been here. She was such a driving force, even when she was unwell or when we were out of contact for months at a time, her presence was always, always known.
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now.
She was 100 years old, and it was still not enough.
The world is a darker place for her absence.
