FYI - The prizes are in my head and in the materials on the kitchen table... My solace is that they've gone out for Thanksgiving every year so far...
Are aunts important in everyone's life? Or am I just extra lucky? Because each and every one of my aunts has made me their friend. I love them so much.
Just a few weeks ago, I was overtaken with the desire to make my aunt Judy's tomato soup. It seemed ridiculous at the time - I needed to be working on seminary class and so many other things. But I called her, found out how to cut down the recipe (it calls for a bushel of tomatoes - that's a wee too much for me), and was able to chat.
As usual, she said, with utter confidence and enthusiasm, "you're going to love this soup. It's so good!" And, of course, I will.
This week we're mourning the sudden death, and celebrating the life of, my aunt. She was such a force for love that I can't imagine life without her. My cousin once pointed out to me that Judy never seemed to compare herself to any other women, and so she was able to rejoice, utterly and completely, in other's accomplishments. What a gift.
All week, I've been thinking of some of our experiences together, and remembering some of her constancies. After almost anything we did together, she'd say, with conviction, "that was so much fun!" And when things didn't go so well, she'd say, with equal conviction, "I just know it's all going to turn out, The Lord will take care of us." I remember vividly her testimony of the resurrection.
And now we all get to practice what we preach, and look with faith for the good and for the hope that we will be together again. I don't know why I was so blessed to have her in my life. I just hope that, looking back on my life, I'll be able to say "that was so much fun!", just like my aunt.