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Saturday, February 22, 2014

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.
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26 comments:

  1. La Tea DahFebruary 22, 2014 at 4:59 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss, Marilyn. She was a beautiful woman and I know she was a very positive influence in your life. Let the tears flow and take time to remember all the many good qualities that she exemplified and passed along to you. May your healing journey be helpful and filled with cherished memories.

    I see that the ATAA traveling teapot is in this picture. It must be from the time you took the teapot to her residence so you could share tea together. After reading your post and seeing this, I went to my china closet and lovingly took it out and set it on my counter. I am going to go make a perfect pot of tea in it right now --- and I will be thinking of you and your lovely Aunt Arlene. Hugs.

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  2. TeresaFebruary 22, 2014 at 5:30 PM

    My deepest sympathy. It is wonderful to have such happy memories of a beloved Aunt.
    Teresa

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  3. relevanttealeafFebruary 22, 2014 at 5:45 PM

    May the God of peace and comfort be with you, Marilyn. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Phyllis

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  4. Donna and Miss SpenserFebruary 22, 2014 at 7:03 PM

    So sorry to hear this! What a legacy she left for you and yours...she was very close to my Uncle's age...he passed away last February at 91. Every time you share your home and hospitality...her memory lives on. So sorry! Hugs!

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  5. AdrienneFebruary 22, 2014 at 7:13 PM

    Sending hugs and prayers to you, my friend. I'm so sorry for your loss. You have so many special memories but I know you will miss her deeply.
    ~Adrienne~

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  6. MaryFebruary 22, 2014 at 7:33 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear of Aunt Arlene's death Marilyn. I know you spent a lot of time with her and she enjoyed your company until the end. I know she is in a better place now and that you will always have fond memories of your time together.

    Warm hugs - Mary

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  7. GardenOfDaisiesFebruary 22, 2014 at 8:14 PM

    So sorry for your loss, Marilyn. How lucky you were to have such a wonderful, inspirational Aunt.

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  8. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow February 22, 2014 at 8:30 PM

    I'm so sorry. I love the story of the delphineums.

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  9. South Bay Ladies' Tea GuildFebruary 22, 2014 at 8:30 PM

    So sorry for your loss, Marilyn.

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  10. LaurieFebruary 22, 2014 at 8:58 PM

    I;m sorry Marilyn, but what awesome memories you will cherish forever.

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  11. JeanneFebruary 23, 2014 at 3:21 AM

    I am very sorry for your loss
    Treasure every beautiful memory of her...........Those who live forever in our hearts are never far away.
    Love and prayers and sympathy
    Love Jeanne

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  12. RosemaryFebruary 23, 2014 at 5:55 AM

    So very sorry to hear of your loss, Marilyn. What a beautiful tribute you have shared. And I know you brought your aunt much joy when you shared tea, chocolate, and love with her when you visited. May she rest in peace, and may you find comfort in your beautiful memories. Hugs.

































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  13. JeanieFebruary 23, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    Oh, Marilyn, I'm so very sorry to hear about Aunt Arlene. I know how close you were and I loved hearing about your trips to visit, take her out. I'm glad you were able to be with her as she neared her transition. This is such a lovely tribute -- she sounds like a most wonderful woman. I love that photo --such a spark in her eye! And you know that she must have been so proud of you, how you entertain and all you do.

    My heart is a little sadder today because I know you are sad, too. Sending healing hugs.

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  14. Linda PFebruary 23, 2014 at 8:48 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Aunt Arlene, Marilyn. I know you will miss her inspiring presence in your life and I continue to remember you in prayer.

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  15. StephFebruary 23, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    Love and sweet memories to you!

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  16. Time Traveling in CostumeFebruary 23, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    I'm so sorry, Marilyn. But what a wonderful reminder you will have of her whenever you see that's dahlias blooming.
    ((hugs)) Val

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  17. MadeliefFebruary 23, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    Dear Marilyn,

    So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear aunt! She looks like a sweet lady! It's good that you have many beautiful memories of her to cherish.

    Sending you hugs & love,

    Madelief x

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  18. bethFebruary 23, 2014 at 8:04 PM

    love and prayers to you and your family…..xo

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  19. TracyFebruary 24, 2014 at 4:22 AM

    Thinking of you & your family, Marilyn... sending heartfelt condolences to you all for your loss... Your Aunt sounded like a sweet lady. :o) Blessings, prayers and peace... ((LOVE & HUGS))

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  20. JoyFebruary 24, 2014 at 8:19 AM

    I add my deepest sympathy, too. It is hard to say "Farewell for now" to one who has been such a treasured part of your life. Her influence and her memory will always be a part of you. I love that request for chocolate! Hugs for you today.

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  21. marteaFebruary 24, 2014 at 8:36 AM

    Many caring thoughts coming your way....

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  22. S. EtoleFebruary 24, 2014 at 12:53 PM

    What a treasure of memories in your deep loss.

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  23. Angela McRaeFebruary 24, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    So sorry for your loss, Marilyn. I do believe I would have loved your aunt if for no other reason than her love of chocolate and flowers! Love and prayers to you and your family!

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  24. LindaFebruary 25, 2014 at 6:15 AM

    Sending thoughts of comfort to you and the family.

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  25. paris parfaitFebruary 25, 2014 at 8:43 AM

    Marilyn, so sorry to hear of your loss! Your "Aunt Arlene" certainly made a big impact on your life; it's wonderful that you have such fond memories and that her influence will remain with you. Sending a big hug your way! xo

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  26. parTea ladyFebruary 26, 2014 at 12:31 PM

    Sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman and I know you will miss her, but your memories of time together are sweet.

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