Saying Goodbye to Aunt Betty

Last night my aunt Betty passed away. Before, I mentioned her diagnosis of cancer. She took a turn for the worse early last week and stayed with us for a few more days. This past weekend, Wes and I took the girls to Oklahoma to say goodbye. By the time we got there, Betty was heavily sedated to keep her comfortable. We spent time with her on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We read scripture to her and prayed.

Betty with Lizzie at 6 months

 Betty was a special lady. She took all of her nieces and nephews in like grandchildren. She treated her great-nieces and nephews like great-grandchildren. I have many memories of spending time with Betty. She was a teacher by calling and an excellent story teller. I remember sitting on her knee and listening to all the stories she told. When the girls were old enough, they sat on her knee and listened to her tell stories. I'm happy that they were able to know her for a while. Betty had many occupations in her lifetime, one of which she was a paramedic and had stories of helping people in rural Oklahoma. For every job Betty had, she had stories to tell.

Betty and my mom a couple of years ago

During the time of waiting in that hospital room, we had many little mercies. A former student came by and told us that Betty was her favorite teacher. A chaplain came by and told us that grieving can take many forms. Nurses that treated Betty as human and would stroke her hair even though they had never met her. Feeling the presence of God while we prayed. Knowing that He would embrace Betty.

Me, Betty and my sister, Laura

The girls always loved rides on Betty's walker

Our family will miss Betty so much. She has been such a presence in my life and in the life of my family.  I hope the girls have fond memories of her. In our prayer this morning as a family, we talked about how we can use those good memories to comfort us when we are sad.  We love you Betty.