And then there was one...

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I think the worst thing about getting older is we lose some of the people we care about to time and age and the natural course of life. Nothing is permanent, I get that, but it's still hard to lose them. I had two aunts left...one in her 80's and one is 93. The 93 year old aunt still drives, cooks, keeps house, sews--is very active. My other aunt married into the family and instantly everyone loved her. She was such a kind soul, loved her sons and grands, and cared for her husband when he lost his leg due to an accident, until he died. She was a complete treasure--she never lost her zest for life. Her son (my cousin) brought her here to see us this last winter, she lived about 4 hours from me. It was so good to visit with them. I am so glad he did, as she passed away two days ago. So now there is one elderly aunt left, and then we are down to the cousins and the second cousins. We lost quite a number of Florida family members to Covid a few years ago. So the number of ''oldsters'' is dwindling, and it's sad. The remaining aunt, the one that's 93, says she feels really sad to be the only oldster left. I never thought about this, but yes, that would be hard in a lot of ways. She is thankful her husband, my uncle, is still with her. She did say she never dreamed she would be the only older family member left. Cherish those who are older and fragile...granted, none of us ever know when it's our turn to go, I know. I am just glad to have the memories. Anyway, I will miss my aunt. She had so many stories, and lived a very full life. She was active in the same church for over 50 years, raised two sons and some foster children, stepped up and raised a surprise grandson when the need was there. She added a lot to our lives and will be missed. And she did leave a legacy of love behind her to live on in her children and grandchildren. A life well-lived.