Aunt Eva lived and lovingly cared for my Grandmother all her life. When grandmother died Aunt Eva lived all alone. I believed she liked it that way, being kind of a recluse. At times even being estranged from our family. The last time my mom and her were together they didn't ever want to see or talk to each other again. So sad to me that is coming true, in this life anyway. I was glad that I was able to start a relationship again with Aunt Eva after that whole incident. Our family had many enjoyable visits with my Aunt. She never visited anyone in their homes. So, we would go and see her when we could. She lived in California for over 30 years and never once saw the ocean! My how she loved to talk politics!!
My Aunt loved to write and I have the transcript of a novel without an ending that she wrote. I wish I had more of her writings, but they have disappeared. My Aunt even disappeared for a while too. I was not able to find her, she didn't answer her phone, then letters came back to me. With some detective work, I was able to find her, but barely recognized this little woman lying before me in a nursing home. I'm not sure what happened to this once very independent women. By the time I found her she was no longer walking and would barely talk. Because of privacy issues the staff could not share much. The saddest thing to me is that all her things are gone. I know she had some of my grandparents belongings from Italy, such as their original marriage certificate.
Sometimes when I have visited in the nursing home, she didn't really want to talk at all. Other times, like this past Friday, she was very talkative. I was so touched by our visit last week. We sang "Battle Hymn of the Republic" together, it's her favorite hymn. And, she repeatedly said that "We are all in the hands of the Lord". We talked a little about her childhood growing up on a farm in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. They had chickens, a cow named Clara, and a dog named Laddie. She said that my grandmother was not a happy person. But, I don't know why. We left her with a prayer and she said she loved me. I let her know I loved her too! God Speed, Aunt Eva! 
Aunt Eva (with the pretty cape) and my mom as little girls. Aren't they cute!!
Aunt Eva and her one and only neice, me!!
Aunt Eva (with the pretty cape) and my mom as little girls. Aren't they cute!!
Aunt Eva and her one and only neice, me!!
2 comments:
I love those touching posts, you know that Cindy. As you do with your Aunt Eva, I 've listened to my Grandma, because I know she was a source of informations and I was interested in all she learnt me about our family. We don't listen enough, ot make people speak.
I regret for you that Eva coudn't tell you why her mother was a sad person.
As during my family researches I've found that a young woman great-great gradmother brought up alone her son. As she was certainly an unmarried mother, that stayed a secret, at this time, it was a shame. So we ignore all about this part of the family.
I feel powerless as I couldn't find any informations about them, now.
Cindy, what a tender heart you have. I'm sorry for the lonely life your auntie must have had but maybe she was happy, who knows? It is so sad that all her belongings are gone. How does that happen? Where do those things go? Are they auctioned off? What a shame that you didn't have a chance to have an item or two of your hearitage.
I admire you so much, going to visit her, even when you don't know what kind of a reception you will get. May God bless you.
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