A year ago I announced the imminent passing of my Aunt Wilma.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

She fooled everybody and is still alive today- but this time I'm afraid it's really time. She's bleeding internally and there's nothing they can do to stop it, so they're simply making her comfortable and waiting.

As some here may remember, a couple years ago I began a personal family project- I got possession of my mom's collection of family photographs with the intention of digitizing them and creating a DVD slide show for everyone in the clan. It took over a year to get it the way I wanted it, but I finally completed it.

My sister has just gone home for a while- one of the last things I handed her before she drove off was a copy of the DVD along with explicit instructions to sit with Aunt Wilma and play it for her. They're now trying to get a player that can be set up in her room so this can take place.

The funny thing is, while my sister was with her yesterday, Aunt Wilma mentioned that she had been dreaming of old photographs lately. Is this simple serendipity or something deeper? Is it wrong of me to feel that this may be the way she's meant to complete her life- watching pictures of her and her sister's lives? Should I purge the thought that she may watch this then simply close her eyes and leave us behind?

I don't know what I should think or what I should hope. I only know that my last remaining Aunt is almost out of time. She was- IS- the best of us, and my world will be diminished when her eyes close that final time. I only hope my small efforts will ease her journey home.

Godspeed, old Aunt. You've enriched the lives of everyone you've ever touched.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Prisoner_Number_Six...

What a beautiful tribute! She must be very special, to have caused you to be so eloquent...

I suspect that her talking about seeing old pictures is indeed something deeper. I find that people we're close to often feel psychically linked to us, and this sort of connection appears.

I know she will treasure the moments she spends watching your wonderful show! What a terrific way to cross over...knowing how much she is loved and cherished!

And no way are your efforts small...you have done a wonderful and irreplaceable thing!

Safe passage to her...

Hugs for you, sweetie...:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

3. Sorry I didn't respond earlier

I was locked in mortal combat with a computer virus. I was victorious, of course...

Just wanted to thank you for the hugs. I read your poem, btw- it was appropriate to my mood.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. Ah, no worries!

I think you must always be victorious!

I'm glad my poem was appropriate for your mood...I hope you enjoyed it, of course...

You can never have too many hugs: :hug: :hug:

[MrsBrady]

2. blessings to you

and for taking the time to archive those wonderful memories.

I'm sure your aunt is very proud of you. I wish you both peace.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

4. Many thanks

:hug:

[Kali]

6. that is great you completed the project in time for her to enjoy it

good job

[kimi]

7. Whether it's serendipity or something deeper,

you've done a lovely thing, for your aunt, and for your family, and not least, for yourself.

Safe passage to your Aunt Wilma. She must be an incredible woman, to inspire you to do such a memorable thing for her. Peace to you and your family.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

8. I lived with and talked to a lot of ghosts during that year.

It's something everyone should do for the sake of their own sense of family history.

Old Aunt (her family nickname since I was a child) is simply the glue that binds our family together.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

9. safe and peaceful passage for your Aunt Wilma

:hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

10. Safe passage to your aunt.

May she be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, Prisoner_Number_Six.

[xchrom]

11. these things are never easy -- you've done something that is just lovely.

peace to you and your family.

[applegrove]

12. vibes.

[texanwitch]

13. She was a Navy vet, like my Mother.

May your Aunt Wilma have a peaceful passing.

Women who joined the military back then were very brave.

Good sailing Wilma.:patriot:

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

14. She was a nurse, as was my mom.

As far as I know Aunt Wilma was the only woman in the family to serve. All the men served as needed. (I was Air Force.)

[texanwitch]

15. My Mother would have stayed in the Navy after the war but she and my Dad had to get married.

I have great respect for women who served doing War II.

They were not always treated well.

They did open the doors for those of us who came along later, I served in the Army.

You Aunt looked very happy in that picture.