Week 276

Positive post Sunday, June 5, 2022- Week 276.

This past Monday, Memorial Day, we celebrated and recognized the men and women who gave their lives fighting for our freedom. On the very same day, Monday, May 30, 2022, our family lost another brave soldier, my one and only aunt, Marjorie. She was a real trooper, battling cancer for the past 2 years.

Although we certainly went through several boxes of Kleenex over the last few weeks and we miss her dearly, like my post last week, I prefer to celebrate my Aunt Marjorie’s wonderful life. My family has truly been blessed to have her with us for 84 years (over 60 years for me!).

I have so many fond memories of the times I spent with my Aunt Marjorie over the years. During our early years, I always enjoyed going over to my “cousins” houses. From sliding very quickly down the pool slide in Tarzana (my cousins will know why we went too fast) to riding dirt bikes in Yorba Linda to hiking around the property and lake in Woodcrest, and the list goes on. Although they moved from city to city, one thing never changed, Aunt Marjorie’s carefree, fun and loving personality. Her love of family and open arms (and houses) made it possible for us to make so many memories over the years.

Speaking of memories, my Aunt Marjorie was an amazing hula dancer. I could never get my hips to move like she could!! And, of course, the holidays. While we all enjoyed our time together riding bikes, playing basketball and running around the yard, Aunt Marjorie was preparing the meal that brought us all together. It is often not until later in our lives, when we become the aunts and uncles, mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers, that we truly understand and appreciate the generosity and sacrifices those before us made so we could enjoy those younger years.

Later in life, as validated in the photo below, Aunt Marjorie was recognized as the “Queen” of her growing family. As the generous queen who loved her family, and like a true matriarch, she took her extended family (my cousins and their families) on trips throughout the world including Jamaica, Tahiti, St. Lucia, Playa Del Carmen, Amsterdam, Germany, France and Switzerland. One of my favorite photos, is the one below on the beach in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in 2012 (the most family ever attending one of their trips). This photo was proudly displayed in her room until her last days. As we all have, my cousins and their families have been blessed to be led by an amazing “Queen” who valued and loved her family and who generously and literally opened the world to them.

We have many superheroes in our extended family (including Batman, see below), but I’m sure we all agree that my Aunt Marjorie, is a true and real superhero. Although difficult to say goodbye (until we meet again), we have been blessed to have her in all our lives here on earth for so long. Rest in peace Aunt Marjorie and save me a place in Heaven should I earn one someday like you have!!

Who is the Queen in your life? Have you let her know how much she means to you and your family?

If you are the King or Queen, how generous are you with your time, talent and treasure?