Aunt Thomasene
Every once in a while, on this big adventure called life, I stop and have a little chat with myself. The question, "What...?" comes up quite often... "What keeps me going?" "What makes me want to be a better person?" "What influences me?" "What inspires me?" "What is beautiful in my life?" The list goes on and on, the common theme being- what. Lately, my internal conversation has revolved around around a different W- "Who." Who inspires me and makes me want to be a better person?
The woman, to whom this post is dedicated, was taken from our world at the end of June. The loss was unexpected, painfully traumatic for those of us left behind. To say we will miss her is a gross understatement and offense to reality.
The 64 years she spent on this planet were filled with the things great stories are made of- love, loss, laughter, compassion, the works. She will forever hold a place in my heart.
Who was she? She was the oldest of 3 kids born and raised in a small town in PA, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. She was a Girl Scout leader for 35 years and an influential member of the community. She was a traveler, a story-teller, an artist, a friend. She was a rock for those less fortunate (human and canine, alike) to hold on to if there ever was one.
Who is she? She is an inspiration, a legacy. The lessons she shared with me, directly and indirectly through my own observations, have had a strong impact on me and what I've become. She is my Aunt Thomasene.
