topic Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT in Community Chat

LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Shanus — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 13:55:25 GMT

Please no replies since fingers worn out from replying to last several OPs. Just for info, received a call after midnight last night, that my favorite (mid-80's) has passed away. She was funny and always perfectly coiffed, w/ makeup, killer wardrobe and great jewelry and great designer bags. I always looked up to her for her style and zest for life.

This all remarkable because she was stricken w/ polio as a young teenager, placed in "iron lung" and she reached adulthood, after numerous surgeries, went to leg braces, then just a cane. In later years, she became wheel chair bound. Never one to give up, she got dressed in her finery & did makeup every day.

A month ago, she was admitted to the emergency room w/ difficulty breathing (post polio syndrome complications she fought every time she caught a cold). It's been downhill from there. She was sedated and put on a breathing tube & moved to ICU. My flew to NC from San Antonio & we were by her side taking turns. When she contracted MRSA, only few immediate family members in strict protective gear were allowed to visit, so I came home last week and discontinued my weekly visits.

Last night, her son (a physician) found her living will and after a tough discussion w/ his brother, & my uncle (a Holocaust survivor) decided w/ her attending physician to discontinue heroic measures. She only lived 6 more hours.

Her presence, sense of humor and example of bravery in the face of adversity will be sorely missed. Truly an example of a life well lived in spite of all her obstacles. Rest easily, Tante (aunt).

Shanus

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

dex — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:18:35 GMT

This is a heart for you...I couldn't leave the regular one for some reason.💔

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

jlkz — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 17:53:46 GMT

@Shanus

No need for any reply Shanus. My deepest apologies on your heartbreaking loss. She was victorious her whole lifelong. She evidently lived it with grace and power.

My favorite aunt and best friend passed almost 10 years ago and I still miss her. Your first paragraph fits my aunt to a T. She had the most lasting, deepest impression on me since I met her at 13 when she married into my crazy family. We were close until she passed in her early 80's,

There are fleeting moments when I know she is near. Over the years, she has left flowers that bloom when they are out of season and music boxes that play entire songs.

One special gift on the morning of a breast biopsy: as I followed unseen footsteps up stairs to the outpatient floor, I opened the door to the corridor and stepping out from the opposite door was the priest who said her Requiem Mass at which I had delivered her eulogy. He remembered me and her, gave me a blessing and a hug. All this transpired at 6 AM withing a few minutes. ( Biopsy turned out to be calcium deposits. )

May she and her family have peace and treasure her memories.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

3suwm5 — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:11:23 GMT

God bless your family.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Pqfan — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:17:35 GMT

@Shanus No reply necessary. I just wanted to send my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

ladyroxanne — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:24:44 GMT

@Shanus

sending you a big hug and deepest condolences.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

seaBreeze — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:31:33 GMT

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

PAlady — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:58:51 GMT

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Preds — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 20:10:24 GMT

You were blessed with a person such as this. She will live in you forever.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 21:58:28 GMT

@Shanus...so sorry for your loss.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Big Sister — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:03:23 GMT

What a wonderful tribute to your aunt. When we lose the strong, influential women in our lives, it is indeed a huge loss.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

PurpleBunny — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:11:59 GMT

So very sorry for your loss, Shanus. Clearly she was much loved, which means that despite her obstacles, she had a life well-lived. Condolences. (No acknowledgement required, just wanted you to know you were thought of)

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Shanus — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:29:52 GMT

Thanks to all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. Her son who came here from San Antonio decided w/ his brother & all their grown children to take her to San Antonio for a service there. They are also relocating my uncle (her husband) to San Antonio to live with them. Since he lost all his family in the Holocaust, my aunt and their sons, grandchildren and of course my hubby & me & my Mom are his only family.

We always lived across the street from their family until I left home for college. She taught me lots about fashion and makeup, as well as how to overcome adversity.

Because of all her polio related surgeries as a teenager, she had to drop out of school in 7th grade, but that didn't stop her from reading and learning everything she could. She was computer savvy and we either spoke every day or texted. That part of my day was filled w/ laughter because she had a great sense of humor (& the mouth of a sailor). I'll miss that hour with her the most.

I think I mentioned she had beautiful jewelry and clothes. She had ear marked for me several Chanel bags, her Cartier "Love" bracelet, and several diamond pieces. The rest will go to her daughter in law & 3 granddaughters. When she discussed it with me when her health began to fail, I insisted she leave it all to her granddaughters. Her response was, "Shanus, I had 2 sons, but you were the daughter I always prayed for. I want to know you'll be enjoying these things".

And so it is or was. Beautiful memories mixed w/ sadness.

Thanks again to everyone who was has been with me through this tough time. Love you all.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Katcat1 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 15:55:57 GMT

God Bless.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

hennypenny — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 16:52:23 GMT

I am sorry to read your news Shanus.

She will live on through her deeds and your precious memories.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

sunala — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 20:01:09 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
Thanks to all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. Her son who came here from San Antonio decided w/ his brother & all their grown children to take her to San Antonio for a service there. They are also relocating my uncle (her husband) to San Antonio to live with them. Since he lost all his family in the Holocaust, my aunt and their sons, grandchildren and of course my hubby & me & my Mom are his only family.

We always lived across the street from their family until I left home for college. She taught me lots about fashion and makeup, as well as how to overcome adversity.

Because of all her polio related surgeries as a teenager, she had to drop out of school in 7th grade, but that didn't stop her from reading and learning everything she could. She was computer savvy and we either spoke every day or texted. That part of my day was filled w/ laughter because she had a great sense of humor (& the mouth of a sailor). I'll miss that hour with her the most.

I think I mentioned she had beautiful jewelry and clothes. She had ear marked for me several Chanel bags, her Cartier "Love" bracelet, and several diamond pieces. The rest will go to her daughter in law & 3 granddaughters. When she discussed it with me when her health began to fail, I insisted she leave it all to her granddaughters. Her response was, "Shanus, I had 2 sons, but you were the daughter I always prayed for. I want to know you'll be enjoying these things".

And so it is or was. Beautiful memories mixed w/ sadness.

Thanks again to everyone who was has been with me through this tough time. Love you all.

Shayna @Shanus I have tears in my eyes reading about your beautiful aunt. I'm so very sorry for your loss. She sounds like an incredible woman and I'm sure you will miss her terribly.

My mom was one of five sisters. My favorite aunt passed away in her 90's. She graduated from a 4-year college in her 70's, and was so smart and loving to all her nieces and nephews. I miss her terribly.

I'm glad you have such warm, loving memories of her that will help you now. Prayers and love to you, Shayna XOX

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

dooBdoo — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 20:18:45 GMT

@Shanus, Thank you for sharing such a poignant tribute to a magnificent woman. We're so blessed to have these unique, special people in our lives, whether for a short time or for many years. They become a part of us, a part that we can call upon even without realizing we're doing so, and we carry forward their bright and brilliant gifts when we touch others' lives along the way. You remind me to be grateful for those radiant spirits who have been in my life, and I appreciate you for that. My condolences to you and to all who love your dear Tante, may she rest in peace.❤️

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Poodlepet2 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 22:26:53 GMT

@Shanus, @dooBdoo said it all: keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing her life with us,

Hugs,

Poodlepet2

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

Carmie — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:14:47 GMT

@Shanus. I am so sorry for your loss,

My father got polio at age 6 months before the iron lung was available and he lived to be 85. He died of respiratory failure too, he was a wonderful man.

May God bless you and your family through this difficult time.

Re: LOST MY FAVORITE AUNT LAST NIGHT

daisey10 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 23:41:18 GMT

So sorry for your loss. You aunt sounds like a great lady.