I posted last week that my beloved aunt (only in her late 40s) was taken from us by cancer on Dec. 23. She leaves behind my uncle and young cousins. We had spent 6 days straight in palliative care with her at the hospital, and in doing so, we were able to say our goodbyes. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do though, as I had to watch her slowly slip away from us...I know my aunt is now in Heaven directing a committe, guiding us, and enjoying a long conversation with Walt Disney, as she was a huge Disney lover!
We had visitations on Monday and Tuesday this week (thousands of people passsed through with standing room only), and funeral today. I have never seen such a glorious celebration of a life as my aunt's funeral. She was a Catholic community leader and so we had 15 priests and 2 bishops on the altar, not to mention other priests in attendance in the church. Our bishop joked that he hopes he has that many priests in attendance at his funeral. Despite this, it was still very difficult at times - it was a surreal experience and many of us are still in shock, despite the finality of the situation.
Our family and my aunt's family put together an incredible tribute to an amazing lady - my kids, my nieces and my aunt's godchildren did a special rose procession, as my sister, husbands and I did the offertory gift procession. My dad, uncles and cousins were pallbearers, and my mom and aunt were readers. Truly a wonderful family celebration of a woman who was so deeply loved by many. We had police escort, as well as honour guard by police and catholic leaders - it was truly a bittersweet event as saying our final goodbyes to a young woman, who was deeply loved, was very difficult. It does give us comfort to know that she is no longer in pain, as she had multiple health problems, capped off by her cancer. The hardest thing was watching my uncle kiss her coffin - he, as well as my cousins are the strongest people I know. They, as well as my aunt, have truly been touched by God, but it's still so hard for us as my cousins have lost their mom at very young ages.
To those of you who also lost loved ones this holiday season, my thoughts and prayers are with you. To those who are also battling the cancer monster, may God give you the strength you need to fight.
God bless and to those of you who have loved ones in Heaven, rest assured that my aunt is taking care of them, Tiger
We had visitations on Monday and Tuesday this week (thousands of people passsed through with standing room only), and funeral today. I have never seen such a glorious celebration of a life as my aunt's funeral. She was a Catholic community leader and so we had 15 priests and 2 bishops on the altar, not to mention other priests in attendance in the church. Our bishop joked that he hopes he has that many priests in attendance at his funeral. Despite this, it was still very difficult at times - it was a surreal experience and many of us are still in shock, despite the finality of the situation.
Our family and my aunt's family put together an incredible tribute to an amazing lady - my kids, my nieces and my aunt's godchildren did a special rose procession, as my sister, husbands and I did the offertory gift procession. My dad, uncles and cousins were pallbearers, and my mom and aunt were readers. Truly a wonderful family celebration of a woman who was so deeply loved by many. We had police escort, as well as honour guard by police and catholic leaders - it was truly a bittersweet event as saying our final goodbyes to a young woman, who was deeply loved, was very difficult. It does give us comfort to know that she is no longer in pain, as she had multiple health problems, capped off by her cancer. The hardest thing was watching my uncle kiss her coffin - he, as well as my cousins are the strongest people I know. They, as well as my aunt, have truly been touched by God, but it's still so hard for us as my cousins have lost their mom at very young ages.
To those of you who also lost loved ones this holiday season, my thoughts and prayers are with you. To those who are also battling the cancer monster, may God give you the strength you need to fight.
God bless and to those of you who have loved ones in Heaven, rest assured that my aunt is taking care of them, Tiger
Your post gave me goosebumps....prayers and condolences to you and your family.
