The good: We had an enjoyable day of visiting and eating with our families today. I sincerely hope you did too!

The sad: We lost two extended family members in the last few days. My maternal grandmother’s sister’s 28-year-old granddaughter passed away Tuesday (Nov. 20) and her husband of 68 years died this morning (Nov. 22). Both were expected in recent weeks and days, but still a sad time and one you can never prepare for. One loved one’s passing is devastating, but to endure two at the same time is definitely heartbreaking. The Aunt is 84 years young and no doubt will be enduring the hardest times of her life in the days, weeks and months to come.

I’ve read this poem before and it comforts me. For those of you that have lost loved ones, I hope it comforts you too.

Love Always

Keep my memory with you
For memories never die
I will be there with you
When you look across the sky.

I will be there in the clouds
In the birds that fill the air
In the beauty of a fragrant rose
You will find my memory there.

You will feel me in the tenderness
Of a baby’s gentle touch
You will hear me if you listen
In the twilights gentle hush.

When your heart is heavy
And you feel that you are alone.
Just reach down deep inside of you
For your heart is now my home.

I will always be with you,
I will never go away,
For I will live on in your heart
Forever and a day.

~Author Unknown~