Until we meet again, Aunt Mary

And now it's time to write the blog post that I've been dreading for a few months now: a tribute to my Great-Aunt Mary. She went to heaven Friday evening, finally letting go and leaving us to remember her.

Aunt Mary was my grandpa's only sister and she was the last one of my grandpa's immediate family. She now joins her parents and two brothers in Heaven. A few months ago, when she was almost 91, she was diagnosed with cancer. So she spent her last few months here on Earth, in hospice care at home, with her husband, Clarence. When I found out she was ill, I cried often and the sadness would catch me off guard, at odd times.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Clarence

Aunt Mary was joyful all of the time. She always had a smile on! She had a sharp sense of humor and a bit of a quick wit. One of her gifts was making you feel important when you had a conversation with her. She was interested in what the other person was saying, and she often touched you as she spoke - an arm around you, or her hand on yours. She was one of the most sincere people I have ever known. The funny thing is, as I think about it, I don't think I ever had a one-on-one experience with Aunt Mary. Every time I saw her, it was at a family function with dozens of people around. But just having a one-on-one conversation made me feel like I was the only other person around her.

Talking with Aunt Mary in our receiving line at our wedding reception.

She had the steadfast trust and faith in Jesus that many believers strive for. She often spoke about her faith and would weave it into conversation. She was just covered with the joy of Jesus. You could see it in her dancing eyes.

Growing up, "Aunt Mary's Cabin" was a summer tradition. Every year, my family would drive up near Spooner, Wisconsin, on the first Sunday in August and spend the day at Mary and Clarence's rustic little cabin. No bathroom, just an outhouse. A tiny kitchen, One bedroom where the girls would change into their bathing suits. The boys changed out in the shed. There was a small screened in porch and my favorite feature of the cabin was the two-person bench swing that hung from the ceiling. The roof of that room was open beams where you would find life jackets and canoe paddles stacked up there. The gathering was always a pot luck with lots of food, followed by some swimming and maybe a speed boat ride. This gathering of Aunt Mary's family, my grandpa's family, and their brother, Arden's family had been happening every summer, at the same place, since my dad was a kid. As the years went by, the group of people grew as the generations got married and had children. Uncle Clarence would often direct all of the cars as to where they should park as we crammed onto the lot. Every year, after the swimming was over and people were ready to leave, Aunt Mary would have each family gather and take their photo. Every single person that was there, every single year. She loved her family! Several years ago we moved the reunion to the cabin that my dad and his brother co-own. Aunt Mary and Uncle Clarence were too elderly to host any longer. But they still came to our cabin.

So I saw Aunt Mary at least once a year - always a guarantee at our "Paulson cabin" day. But I would often see her several times a year - at family weddings, graduation open houses, or bridal showers. She always had time to chat with me, catching me up on her kids and three grand-daughters. She was so proud of her family! They really were her pride and joy.

Having a conversation with Aunt Mary

When I became a bride in 2011, Aunt Mary gave me one of my most treasured positions. She gave me a blue plate that had belonged to her mother, my great-grandmother. I never met my great-grandmother. She passed away when my dad was in jr. high. The plate was given to my great-grandmother by her sister. And Aunt Mary kept it for years, finally passing it down to me. I treasure it and it is displayed in my kitchen as a reminder of the women who came before me and loved their families, raising them to be kind people who love Jesus and serve others. I work to carry on the legacy with my family.

The gift of a plate that belonged to my great-grandmother

Last year, Aunt Mary had a 90th birthday party. She was in fine form. She was still in good health -  moving around as though she was a spry 70-something, instead of the 90-year-old she had become. She was mingling with everyone there to celebrate her well-lived 90 years. Her children told her life story and we were all so happy to honor her in the way she deserved. She of course was joking around, connecting with her loved ones, being her usual joyful self. And she wore a crown the entire time. It was a wonderful party and I'm so glad I got to be there.

When I found out that Aunt Mary had fallen ill, I sent her a card. I sat at my kitchen table and let the tears roll as I wrote to her and told her that I want to be just like her - joyful in Jesus, having a positive attitude, and fiercely loving those people God has blessed me with and given to me as family.

At Aunt Mary's 90th birthday party

I will miss you Aunt Mary. But as you have trusted Jesus as your Savior and I have done the same, we are daughters of a King and will reunite some day in Heaven. I am certain that when you met the arms of Jesus, He said to you, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." A life well lived that continues on in the hearts and memories of those who loved you so dearly.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Clarence