My heart is heavy with the loss of Auntie Flo.
Most people are lucky enough to have a relationship with one mother I had two. My mom & Auntie Flo raised their families together. Auntie Flo has given me many memories to hold close to my heart. Our days of working together at Town & Country Ladieswear and not being aloud to call her Aunt...so I would just tap her on the shoulder when I needed to talk to her. Those wonderful Christmas morning meals, we would have to get ready after opening our gifts at home to head over to the Yashchuks for a lunch - which really was an incredible, lavish Italian meal. Summer picnics and always an ear and compassion when my life's challenges got too heavy. The best gift I have from her is my best friend Anna, her daughter. For some 54 years Anna and I have remained friends. Flo will always be a part of my life, because Anna will always be my best friend.
This past Friday evening I experienced something quite amazing. I held my Auntie Flo's hand as she left this world and joined all those wonderful relatives who were waiting for her to come home. I called them by name asking them to guide her home - my dad, Uncle George, Nana, Manny, Grandad & her parents - I could feel their presence in the room, then she opened her eyes and just left us.
I thank my sister, Muriel for helping me to see this mystery unfold and to my best friend in the world, Anna and her sister Joy for allowing me to be present. Travel well Auntie Flo - cook up one of those big Italian meals when you get home and enjoy the feast of a new life!
