This has been a sad week for us.  The woman we all hoped would live forever passed away at the age of 98.  Mom’s Great Aunt Dottie was a quiet reassuring presence in our lives.  Always supportive, but also asking the important questions, Great Aunt Dottie’s gentle, witty guidance will be deeply missed.  Today I would like to re-share her words of wisdom that resonated with me one cold and snowy day in March 2017, “aren’t we lucky.”

On that day I overheard a conversation in which Mom was complaining about having to shovel yet again.  Great Aunt Dottie no longer needed to worry about snowstorms from her new home.  However after living on her own for many years, she revealed that she sometimes missed shoveling, and wished she appreciated that final snow day at home.  In that conversation she mused, “aren’t we lucky” to be able to experience it.

She was right.  One never knows when the “last” snow day will be.  At the time of this conversation, I reflected on our last snow day with my big brother, Lemmy.  We were truly blessed to spend that perfect day together in December 2013.  Just like were blessed to have Great Aunt Dottie in our lives all these years.

Thank you Great Aunt Dottie for being such a positive and uplifting part of our lives.  For teaching us strength and kindness, and for showing us the importance of family both near and far.  You will be deeply missed, but Mom takes comfort knowing you are now surrounded by your loving sisters, brother, and parents whom you held so close to your heart all these years.  Please give our Grandpa and Lemmy big hugs from us.