Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. - Ernest Hemingway
Yesterday February 10, 2021, I found out my Aunt passed away from COVID-19. This was very sad news to me, but at the same time I felt a since of relief. She is no longer suffering, tied to a machine without her loved ones. Now she has the freedom she longed for since this started.
Knowing my Aunt the way I did. I can only imagine that she was suffering even though they had put her in a coma, I know mentally she must have been hating being there. She always loved to be surrounded by her family. I mean with so many grandchildren and even a great-grandchild her house was always full. To be stuck tethered to a machine alone must have been scary to say the least.
For 24 days she was there. Only 2 she was awake and alert. I know the doctors did everything they could to help her, but it wasn't enough to bring her back. They were planning to turn off the machines this Friday, but she decided to go on her terms instead. So yesterday morning she said enough. I'm done. My husband is home, my family is healthy, I'd rather be watching them from above, then laying in this room.
When my Aunt went to the hospital, her husband of 45years was in the hospital recovering from surgery about to come home. This is the most difficult part for me to think about. They didn't get to say goodbye to each other. I didn't cry yesterday, I think I was in shock, but as I write this paragraph the tears are flowing.
My Uncle and Aunt never had a lot while we were growing up. What they did have was enough. Modest home, beat up car, food for their bellies. They never seemed to lack even though we knew they had a fixed income. What they did have, they always shared with those around them. There was so much love in their hearts for each other and all those that came around. They were high school sweethearts who never parted. They were married for 45years and what an amazing to thing to say! 45years of love, dedication and devotion, through thick and thin, better or worse, good times and bad.
Goodbye Aunt Debbie I'm so glad you're not suffering any more. We will miss you but know you are looking down on us with love and devotion. We will remember your laughter, generosity and kindness of heart.
