Can you say, "I loved every minute of it?"

 

March 31, 2021

Yesterday afternoon Aunt Lou (my 93-year-old aunt (2nd mom) who helped raise me after my mom died when I was ten) fell. We found out today that she fell because she had a brain aneurysm. This morning as I was driving to the hospital to meet my cousins to hear what the neurologist had to say, I was reflecting on my last conversation with her this past Sunday - wondering - would these be the last words I heard her say?

I had taken her to lunch. We had gone for a walk, and we had sat on her back porch enjoying some sunshine and conversation. She had decided she was ready for a nap, so as I helped her to bed and gave her a kiss on the forehead, she said, "Thanks for all you do to make this old woman happy." And I said, "Thanks for all you do. You've made a lot of people happy with all the things you've done your whole life." And she smiled at me and said, "Yes, and I've loved every minute of it."

And I thought, "Wow." God is still using her to teach me. Love what you do. Love life. Love people. Love every minute of it. She's an inspiration. I want to be like her.

She woke up at the hospital this morning when I kissed her forehead. She said, "Well, hey ladybug. What a night. Love you." And closed her eyes again. We don't know if she'll get through this. And we do know that none of us get through this life without dying. But I do know how truly blessed I've been to have had this amazing woman in my life to teach me how to live life - always giving what she could to others. Her thinking: well, if I can, why wouldn't I?

Life is short. Make sure you live your life such that when you get to the end you can say, "I loved every minute of it." 

Appreciate you all.