Many times on the race I have received news
from family and friends at home of engagements, pregnancies, weddings, births,
etc. And each time there is a part of me that wishes I could be there, that I
could have gotten the news in person instead of through e-mail or skpye. Today
was no different. During my only hour of internet this week I opened my e-mail
to find news from my sister that my Great Aunt Tee had passed away.
Tears immediately began to pour from my
eyes as I remembered her life. The times we played pool in her basement and
swam at the lake off her dock, the day that she taught me how to make hot dogs
on a frying pan (still my favorite way to this day), how she laughed and told
stories, how she loved talking about her children and how proud she was of
them, and her adoration of her grandson. There are so many memories but the one
I know I will never forget is the last time I saw my Aunt Tee.
Just a few weeks before I left for the race
Aunt Tee asked me to come over to her apartment because she had something for
me. I went over and spent the afternoon with her. She told me all about her
extended family and some of our family tree. She told me stories and gave me
some cotton that she had picked when she was a child and some old vases that
were given to her. And then she gave me an envelope. She had sold some gold so
that she could give money toward my trip. The selflessness in her giving was
beautiful. I will never forget that day.
Although it is sad, and my family and me
will grieve her passing, I am glad that she is no longer suffering and look
forward to the day I will be with her again in eternity.
Cindy, Debbie, JC, and all of Tee’s family,
I am praying for you all. Cricket
Many Blessings,
Kim
