The End of An Era

My Aunt Barbara passed away this morning at the age of 100.  I knew the time would come eventually, but I was still not prepared for it.  Who is ever prepared to receive the news of the passing of a loved one.  This text though was especially difficult because it represents the end of an era, my childhood is finally over but for the memories.  It's weird because now my sister, cousins and I are the family elders, the ones who will now carry the torch.

Aunt Barbara was a gracious, kind, loving lady.  I emphasize lady as she was a true lady, on the level of the queen.  My uncle her brother used to call her the queen and that she was.  She was the second child, the eldest of the three sisters and my mother's closest friend.  She was devoted to my grandmother until the end of her life, and I can still see them in my mind's eye pulling up in front of our house in San Marino, with Nannie in the front seat, head held high.

She spent the last 24 years as a widow, still living in the same house in Newport Beach.  That house holds so many memories for me personally.  I got married in the back yard of that house, played many a game back there growing up and enjoyed these later years sitting talking and enjoying memories.  

Barbara and I talked about anything and everything.  After my own mother passed away, she became my second mother.  I was able to tell her many secrets and ideas and to my knowledge she held them close to her heart.  When I found love again, she was my biggest supporter.  When I traveled, I always brought back a box of tea for her and planned to do so again this year when I'm in Greece or Italy.  I may still buy that box and enjoy my afternoon cuppa thinking of her.

The last time I actually saw her was in 2019.  I was in Newport waiting for my friend to arrive so we could drive out to Palm Springs.  We had a lively conversation and laughed as we always did over the little things in life.  I spoke to her last in 2022 as she had become too tired to sit and talk on the phone, so I wrote her a few letters and send a few cards over these last months.  Sadly, last year, I was unable to attend her 100th birthday party as I had made plans prior to knowing of the event or the date.  My heart was there with her and hopefully she knew that as well.

Therefore, I'll close with the thought and prayer of her safe arrival back to God and reuniting with her entire family unit and with my Uncle Jack.  Nannie: I fulfilled my promise to you 40 odd years ago and I'm have no regret.  Rest in peace my dear Aunt Barbara, until we meet again. 

May 2019