Until We See Each Other Again

If we are lucky we have many people in our lives that we can say we not only love them as a family member but also as a friend.  I have had the honor of having just such a person like that in my life until recently when she passed away.  Aunt Esther was not only like a surrogate grandmother to my husband and children but she fulfilled that role in mine.   

She was a woman of beauty on the outside but a lady of beauty and grace inside as well. Whenever we had a family occasion, I loved sitting next to her to hear her stories of the days of  growing up in Massachusetts.  She shared a wisdom of strength and courage that I can only hope that someday I possess as well as her.  

Aunt Esther was someone that had a talent with handmade stitchery  that inspires me to try different crafts and go back to the ones that we had in common like embroidery and cross-stitch.  The portrait of the lady in flowered hat hangs in my dining room that brings a smile to my face whenever I look at it.  Knowing that her hands created such a treasure brings a comfort to my aching spirit that  her handiwork  will be seen for many years to come.  However, the best gift I have ever received from her was the Sabbath tablecloth that she made for us as a young couple. The time she took to hand stitch such a masterful piece for us means very much to Howie and myself.

I could spend hours writing all the great things about her, but I am going to be a little selfish and keep them to myself.  You see, it is important that we all have cherished memories of our loved ones and some that are truly private between the two of you.  But I will say this...  

Aunt Esther I promise that I will tell my children about the wonderful lady that you were and keep your memory alive for not only myself but for them.  I love you and will miss you very much. 

Your Niece,

Sheri