My Gift

It's going to be Christmas soon and of course I have been running around shopping and decorating and spewing Christmas Spirit over everyone I come across. I love going to the mall and looking at people's decorations (some gorgeous and some scary! LOL). I love Christmas carols and everything about this time of year. I know that "Jesus is the reason for the season" but for me this year it's a little bit more.

On December 4, 2008 my Aunt Clorica died. Clo died. It's horrible to even type that. But she died and our whole family has been changed by it. My grandfather Fred Ray died back in 1997 and my grandma Jessie died in 2002. And while I was hurt and saddened by losing them, the only grandparents I had ever known, losing Clo has been devastating for us, her sister and brothers and nieces and nephews.

Why? Because she was life. She was family. She was togetherness. She was peace and compassion and balance and forgiveness and love. She was the glue that brought the family together for holidays and celebrations. She would barbecue on Flag Day if she thought she could get us all in one place!

She was fun and funny and had a laugh and a smile that could light up the darkness. And the world got a little bit dimmer last year. But not so dim that we forget. I think I am so infused with Holiday cheer this year because I have to be for Clo. She would be quite upset if we didn't get together and eat and play and love each other. And I feel responsible for making sure that we do that. Making sure that we know how much we mean to each other whether we talk once a day or once a year. It's about the family and Clo was family!

This post is about honoring the aunt who was like a mother to me and my brother when we were growing up. I could talk to her about anything and everything. She lent me more money than I should ever admit and she loved me like nobody's business. She loved us all like that.

All of us are going through things, but remember to tell your family that you love them. No matter if they're behaving right or not. Spread love this season and every season.

Merry Christmas Aunt Clo. Our hearts are so heavy from missing you today but we also realize that every moment with you was one of the greatest gifts that God could have given us. And I will spend the rest of my days making you proud. I love you. Take care of Fred & Jessie!

In love,
Ray-mone ~ her nickname for me :)