Not too long ago, Mother Goose wrote a story about a family reunion, and shared the sad news that the Matriarch of the family had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and it was looking pretty bad for her. Aunt Char fought the fight with much courage and and strength and faith, enduring a very painful and mostly unsuccessful surgery. She was unable to swallow food or liquids for two months and also suffered from breathing issues as the cancer pressed against her bronchial tubes. It was agonizing for her and for those of us who love her.
Early in the morning this past Saturday with all of her dear children gathered around her, Aunt Char flew away to be with the Lord, her long-departed husband, Bob, and her parents and others whom she loved. Rumor has it that she is dancing now on streets of gold in a city where there are no tears, no pain and no suffering. It’s a real place where the light is always shining and the pastures are greener and the waters are more still than any beautiful place here on our planet.
I have been imagining the banquet they’re having, the party they’re throwing, the music they’ll play for the lady who hasn’t been able to eat for two months. All the choicest foods with the best sauces and oh-so-colorful and tasty! Imagine the chocolate in heaven! I’m thinking about the finest vintage of the fruit of the vine, and how it will be so sweet to her palate.
Aunt Char and her niece, Suzanne, remembering how she was the flower girl in Charlotte and Bob’s wedding fifty-five years ago.
We will miss you terribly, Aunt Char — you’re a wonderful and amazing woman, such a good momma and friend to many, many many. We’ll see you in the morning…
Mother Goose Smiles 
Nov 19, 2012 @ 19:54:41
I am do sorry for your loss.
Nov 19, 2012 @ 20:00:56
Thank you, Patty. She was so kind and “real” — always said what was on her mind and it was usually very funny. I saw her on Friday which was the same day that my mom flew away five years ago, and she told me that she was hearing voices, Bob and others, calling her name from heaven. I prayed that Jesus would come and take her out of her suffering and into His glorious mansion. I told her it’s OK to go. Now she’s free! Thanks so much, Patty.
Nov 19, 2012 @ 22:02:21
When we lose someone, it hurts. Perhaps, though, that pain is just the memories of our loved ones moving a little closer to our heart.
My very best,
Eric
Nov 20, 2012 @ 14:26:22
Eric, your comment is surely one of the most poignant I have ever heard regarding grief and bereavement. I examined the idea with my heart, and I believe that it is exactly right. I will never forget what you’ve just shared with us. Thank you and bless you!
Nov 20, 2012 @ 12:53:28
Beautiful as always Natalie. How wonderful you were able to see Aunt Charlotte the night before she was called to heaven. She is up there dancing with all the Cramers, and your Mom too. Beautifully written. xo, Suz
Nov 20, 2012 @ 14:30:42
Suz, when I was there visiting last Friday, I was wearing this sweet scarf that I bought at the Syria store. Char admired it so I took it off and wrapped it around her neck — the colors were so pretty on her. She loved that it covered the incision scar on her neck, and she asked if she could buy it from me! I laughed and told her, no but she could have it if she wanted. She smiled really big, looked over at Carol and said, “Look at me! I’m ready to go dancing now!” I bet her mornings and afternoons and days are all filled with dances now.
Nov 21, 2012 @ 13:25:28
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss to those of you who loved your Aunt Char. It surely has been a very hard time for you to watch her go through the end with so many complications. But I, like you, hold onto the mystery and beauty of heaven. My mom lost her sister and mother, my aunt and grandmother, ten years ago within just a few months of each other. We were with my grandma when she died, and my mom looked right at me and said, “I’m picturing them together” and somehow our belief that mother and daughter were reunited brought us so much comfort. I pray the same for you and yours, sweet Natalie. Debra