This morning, life placed me in one of those moments that splits time into before and after. I was heading out the door to see my Aunt Billie… Mimi to her grandchildren, when the message came. She was gone. Quietly, peacefully, and boldly… her way.
She lived 101 years of grit, tenderness, stubbornness, laughter, and love. A century of stories. A century of knowing exactly who she was. A century of loving her family fiercely.
I didn’t get to say my final goodbye, but I will forever treasure our last phone call. She was ready to go home. I wasn’t ready to lose her.
A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog about a visit with her, a visit that became one of the most sacred memories of my life. She sang I Will Always Love You with a trembling tenderness. She stared at Bud’s photo with a longing that broke my heart open. She played My Way and told me she wanted it played at her funeral… not out of sadness, but out of pride. She lived her life fully, boldly, unapologetically. She lived it her way.
Her legacy lives in the way she loved Uncle Bud. The way she loved Sherie and John and all of her grands. In the songs she sang. In the stories she shared. In the way she held onto life with both hands. And it lives in me.
Aunt Billie, thank you for every memory, every story, every song, every moment. Thank you for loving us with your whole heart. Rest now. Rest with Uncle Bud. Rest in the peace you earned. I will carry you with me for the rest of my life.
Until we meet again.
Your niece,
Dawna‑Rae
P.S.
Give my Granny a hug. Tell her I love her. And if you see my daddy, tell him I’m okay. I love you and miss you so much.
Love Life with Dawna 
I’m so sorry for your loss, Dawna. I pray your wonderful memories of Aunt Billie will bring you comfort…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jean, I really appreciate your love and support. Hugs
LikeLike
I’m so very sorry for you loss. Your Aunt Billie sounds like such a wonderful person – a brave, gentle, kind and bold person that did it her way with passion and love.
And you, thru your writing, have made us, your readers know and cherish her too.
May your memories be great. A full heart of love to last you a lifetime 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Patrice, thank you for this. Your love and support are so appreciated and your compliment about Aunt Billie melted my heart. She will forever be cherished by me and so many others. I still can’t believe she’s gone. Hugs and love my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s still here Dawna. She now lives in your heart, tenderly holding your soul with love and protecting you from all that would do you harm.
Hugs and care 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, she does…. She will always be my anchor. Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖
LikeLike
Even though I didn’t know Aunt Billie reading that she had passed sadden me, I have no doubt you will miss her a lot, I am so sorry for your loss
LikeLike