Aunt Liz

I don't pretend to be as good of a writer as my sister is, and I do admire her talent for writing. She has such an excellent way of making simple things very interesting.

So, I am just going to write what is in my heart. This coming Monday, my Aunt Liz will have surgery to remove a cancerous kidney. I asked her if she was nervous about the surgery and she said "no, I just want it over and done with". She has such a good attitude about life.

I remember from when I was very small, how much she meant to me. She was funny, energetic, not afraid to try anything, liked being around little kids, and always made time for all of us.

When my father passed away, I was 15 years old, and she stayed at the cemetery with me until I was ready to leave. It was in December, so it was very cold. Then when my mother passed away, I was 18 and about to graduate. She arranged for a graduation open house for me.

When my marriage faced some real problems, I moved in with her and Uncle Vic with both of my small kids, no questions asked.

So, I guess what I am saying about Aunt Liz is that she was and always has been a real influence on my sister, my brother and my life. She is one of the people who is the most UNSELFISH I have ever known.

I have traveled a lot with her. She usually just hands me the keys to the van and away we all go. Along with her daughter, Pat, my sister Donna, and some years ago our dear friend Tiny Smith, we went to Scotland, England, Belgium, Holland, Wales and Ireland. We met with my brother, who was stationed in Scotland at the time and he was able to take off to accompany us on that trip. It will always be a hi-lite in my life. We also made many trips to Chicago and Lowell, Indiana to see my Aunt Ginny and Uncle Allan. There were also trips to Pennsylvania, Branson, Missouri; once just Aunt Liz and I went up around Lake Michigan to the Sand doones by Clear Lake. It was gorgeous! And of course, the Cruise to Alaska with my cousin Linda rooming with Aunt Liz and I was so much fun. I'm just not sure if it wasn't for Aunt Liz, if I would have seen so many of these wonderful places.

So, it's time for her surgery, and then some healing, and then we can plan our next trip. I wonder where we should go first??

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Aunt Liz. You are a "gift" to my life. Thanks for everything you have done.