Its inevitable, life changes, life marches on, people come and people go, loved ones pass away and new loves enter into our lives. Knowing all of this does not make it any easier.
Yesterday, our family lost yet another member, a sweet Aunt joins the list of family members lost. Aunt Bernice was so intricately woven into my growing up years, I spent many days visiting, sharing a very special time with my cousin Cindy and being totally welcomed by Aunt Bernice and Uncle Verlon whenever I was there. Many fond memories of her famous Banana Cream pie (a personal favorite!), chicken and dumplings from scratch, home grown green beans that cooked all day long, scrunching up my nose as I watched them make Head Cheese and other concoctions never even seen before. I marveled (being very young at the time) at how she "made" home grown corn by cutting it off the cob. I never knew. There was always something good to eat, no matter what time of the day or night it was. My memories around that kitchen table clearly made a lasting impression on me through the years. Slowly our family is changing, those lost are never ever forgotten. As they leave us here on earth, little pieces of our heart go with them. Know that they are loved.
And so as I take time to say some prayers for her and all of her family, some how I've got a hankering for some chicken and dumplings and banana cream pie. I love you Aunt Bernice and always will.
