This photo was taken in September of this year and it is of my dad's 5 sisters. Little did they know that this would be the last time they would all be together again. My Aunt JoAnn, the one on the left, passed away almost two weeks ago. Aunt JoAnn was the youngest of my dad's 8 siblings (yes, 9 kids in all - 4 boys and 5 girls!) and it wasn't expected. She was attending her granddaughters birthday party, walked in, sat down, felt a sharp pain in her chest and was gone. I didn't get to see my Aunt often - but I know she appreciated the yearly Christmas letters I sent and loved seeing photos of the boys. It saddens me to think that at the next family reunion (someone needs to get to planning that thing!) there will only be 8 siblings left.
This is such a great reminder to each of us to take time and share love with those we are closest too. Don't like little things keep you apart (or big things for that matter) but, rather, take time to love, care, and have an interest in the lives of those who are part of your family.
