A Sad Week

I woke up Tuesday morning with emails telling me the devastating news that Aunt Kim had passed away in the wee hours of Monday morning (CA time). She was diagnosed with cancer late last year, and after trying many different treatments she learnt the Monday before the most recent one hadn’t been working like they had hoped. It is so sad and I felt bad not being able to be there with the family and to say my last goodbyes, but she had been so great about emailing and we were even able to Skype at Easter which was nice. Luckily all of her kids were able to get to the Bay Area on Sunday evening.

I was a little disconnected with the whole event as I am living so far away and it didn’t really hit me until I wrote a letter to be read at the service. I put Makoa to bed and sat down to write. As soon as I started typing the tears started to flow and I was a bit surprised. It was nice though to remember happy times and funny times. Holidays were a joy as they seemed to start when the Nelsons arrived, piling out of the car were all the kids and the yummy appetizers and sweets that she and Kaitlin made. Aunt Kim was very competitive, which made game time at holidays so entertaining. She also was a great storyteller and we were able to swap info about the many benefits and possible challenges of having massive babies. She also loved to travel and had toured and lived all over the world and I love hearing about different places.

After sending off my letter to Jeff to read at the service I felt better and thought I was okay. Then on Saturday morning I awoke at 7am and immediately thought that it was 2pm on Friday in California and the service was just starting. I can’t even think of a word to describe how I felt, especially after Jeff rang at 8:30am letting me know that the service was over and they were all heading over to the Nelson’s house. Never before had I felt just how far I actually am from everyone. I missed being there with the whole family, sharing memories and giving my support. I am a big time worrier, so I was thinking about Grandma Dawn and the kids and Uncle Rich and Mom and wishing I were there to help. In the afternoon it was nice though that the house called me on Skype so we could all see each other. What would I do without the Internet?

I am really sad that Aunt Kim is gone and she will be missed.