My life was perfect

In the final days of my Aunt's life she was asked about her life and her answer is what I strive for. She said, "My life was perfect." Her definition of perfect was not the perfect marriage, perfect children, perfect job. Her definition of perfect was that of what truly mattered. She loved and because she loved well she had a job she loved, a husband who held her hand right up until that last moment. I mean held her hand for days kind of love. She has amazing kids who were there by her side every step of this horrible cancer. She had amazing friends and family who stuck by her and made sure she didn't miss out on any of the fun. She was laughing and smiling the whole time through. Was it painful at times and discouraging, yes it was. But she would let us know. She became the most vulnerable I've ever seen her. She let people in. She didn't hide that she was hurting, but still wanted to be in the moments.

I think that was the secret when faced with the scariest moments she let people in! And because she let us in we got see what grace and strength looked like. Her faith in God never left. She knew he had a plan and she trusted in him. Of course she was afraid and sad, but instead of letting the fear take over she decided to drive with that fear. She took action over her life and she fought to the very last moment.

I know I am going to miss her so much. Looking over my life, she was always there! Always! All the big moments - graduations, birthday parties, bbq's, Christmas parties, holidays, weddings, bachlorette parties, and so much more. I know I will never have a margarita again without thinking of her. She just loved life! She loved well and I know I'm going to strive every day to live by her example. When it's my time I want to also say my life was perfect!

I thought I would use this blog to highlight her because she was such a big part of my life. Below is a silly poem I wrote when I was super sad one night and a friend told me to write her a letter. That letter turned into a silly poem. :) I don't write much poetry, so it's so not perfect and it's really just for me, but thought I would share it.

Always Smile,

Michelle