"The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity." - Lucius Annaeus SenecaWhen you experience death of a loved one for the first time, you realize that our time here on earth is limited, that we have to make the best of it, and that we need to cherish those around us. I know that this blog is all about relationships, but familial relationships are just important as the ones we look for in a significant other.
My Great Aunt was a person who loved others, especially her family, more than she had loved herself. She was generous, kind, and always had a smile on her face. Her laugh was infectious. Her perspective of life was something that I had always tried to live by. She enjoyed life in each moment. She would fight sadness and life's curveballs with laughter. For such a happy person, we didn't realize that deep inside she was troubled. She bottled up her emotions and opinions of certain issues. She kept it from everyone, even her own children. That's why her health dwindled and we were all surprised that someone like her could die at such a young age.
Despite the emotional roller coaster that I've been on these past couple of days, I know that she's in a better place with nothing to worry about. Her happiness, her love, and her infinite passion for life will live on through the people that she was fortunate to meet.
As individuals, we learn from every person that we encounter, whether or not they are good or bad. And no matter how short of a relationship we have with each other, whether it be mere seconds, a minute, a day, a decade, we'll always have something to learn. Our hearts are made up of different pieces, different encounters, and we should cherish each, even if they're gone.
Rest in Peace to my dear great aunt. I love you so much. I know you'll be there, watching over all of us.
Lots of Love,
V
