Tears

My Aunt Arlene passed away today.

I was blessed to have her nearby and to spend some of her last days sitting by her bed.

She inspired me to be creative and a hostess to guests that entered our home.

She loved chocolate and flowers, working many hours in her garden.

I stayed with her family a couple summers while I was in high school

and we all had to pitch in to help with the amazing, blue ribbon dahlias

she entered in the California State fair.

Last Spring she bought a packet of delphineums and planted them in paper cups

on her window sill at the retirement home.

I have three of those plants growing in my garden now.
Recently I asked her if there was anything I could bring her
and with a twinkle in her eyes she said "chocolate".

The photo was taken two years ago as we shared tea together.

She was 93 years.

My Aunt Arlene was a dear presence in my life.

I will miss her dearly.

Yes, there will be tears, but she is at peace.