Monday, October 1

On October 1st, my Aunt Krissie passed away. She is my dad's sister and I was close with her. She was who I, as a child, knew would take care of me if anything happened to my parents. She always lived far away from us, in South America and Virginia, but we still had an Aunt-Niece bond. She and her daughters traveled to Spokane every year. In the dark times of my Jr. high/ high school rebellion, she was a quiet support for me. I knew she disapproved, she didn't hide that, but I didn't feel threatened or judged by her. She, another human, had her own life mistakes. She moved on, and sought God's forgiveness. She didn't hide that from me. She taught ESL at an alternative school in Virginia for a time and I knew she had a passion for those kids. She loved them as much as they drove her nuts with their rebellious attitudes and social cliques and images. They were "her kids", mistakes and all. As I got older, then as I married, and especially as I began having kids, we got closer and closer. We talked often on the phone and through email. We were open and candid with each other about things in life and prayed for each other. She visited us here at our place a few times and she loved Camp Bighorn. She wanted to come and volunteer at Camp for a while, but there wasn't much she was introduced to that she didn't want to be a part of! We visited her in Spokane every time she came there to visit. Several years ago she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Over the years, she dealt with all that goes with cancer with a strong-will and a good attitude. Sometimes she would call and ask me to tell her about the boys. She said she was tired of talking about her and about cancer and just wanted to hear my funny stories that my kids supply daily! Since she was an English teacher, I had lots of questions for her while I was preparing for homeschooling. She sent us fun resources and lots of books for the boys. She was looking forward to retirement and when my dad started building a house in Spokane, they designed a basement apartment for her. She was so excited to pick colors, floors, ceiling fans, tile, etc all in her distinct style! She eventually needed to quit teaching and moved to California to live with her daughter during treatment. In July she came to Spokane for a long visit, but got very sick part way through. She was able to spend a few nights in her new apartment, (she was so thrilled)! She knew that she wasn't going to get better, and as hard as it was, we took advantage of the time to really connect and then say good-bye. Her daughters and their husbands came up and flew back with her to California. I didn't see her again, but we did talk a few times.

So many times I've missed our conversations, wanted to ask her about something, or wanted to share a funny kid story or good joke with her. She laughed so easily and loved funny things! I miss already that she wont be living closer like we'd been looking forward to; that she wont help the boys with Spanish or listen to them read anymore. I thank God for the life lessons she helped me learn and the legacy she's left behind. I'm thankful Josiah and Conrad knew her and had the opportunity to love her. (They always knew she would share her gum and listen to their long, endless stories!) I praise God that she knew Him and accepted His forgiveness through Jesus. I look forward to seeing her again!

Thank you for letting me share her with you!!

Aunt Krissie with Josiah and Conrad in July.