Mom received very sad news this morning from South Africa. Her beloved Aunty Jo passed away suddenly after undergoing surgery on Wednesday. Aunty Jo is my Granny's younger sister, she was only 66. Granny is the oldest of three sisters and they are all very very close. Mom spent a lot of her day crying and thinking about the wonderful memories she has of her special Aunt. Mostly she missed being at home with her parents and family so she could share in the grieving process. It is very hard to be so far away on dreadful days like today.
I did what I could to comfort Mom. Whereever she sat, I sat next to her or on her lap. I knew something was wrong. I kept watch all day and barely barked 'cos I sensed it wasn't the right thing to do. Dad called me a sensitive fellow, Mom agreed and told me that she was grateful for my love. She also told me stories about Aunty Jo. I did have the honor of meeting this fine woman when she shlepped to Mom and Dad's wedding almost 2 years ago. That picture was taken after the wedding when the family went to NY for the day. That is granny (left), Jo (right), 3rd sister Flo is in the back behind the bald guy at right (Uncle Dave, Flo's hubby) and cousin Neil (Flo's son). Looking back, Mom sure is glad she got to do NY with her beloved family.
Mom told me that Aunty Jo was the most giving, kind person ever. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, she was always there for her friends and family and just gave, gave, gave all the time. This made me remember that she gave me a gift when she met me, so I guess this is all true. Mom told me that Aunty Jo was so creative - she wrote poems and songs, and when she had family over for dinner, she spent hours making special nicknacks to decorate the tables - flowers out of special paper and pipe cleaners for example. [That picture at right is of one of her table settings last September. The photo is lousy, but you can get an idea of her talents - Mom got teary looking at the fried sole on the plates...nothing quite like Aunty Jo's fried fish.]She was also full of fun - loved to tell jokes, and always joked about putting off the housework, especially defrosting the freezer. Mom and Aunty Jo kept in touch often via email and in their last email Monday, looked forward to being in touch when she got home from the hospital. But it wasn't to be...
Rest in peace darling Aunty Jo. You will forever be remembered and missed.
AGC and My Sad Mommy
15 comments:
Axel: Keep giving your mom love and kisses, and give her an extra one from me and muzzer.
We know it is hard to lose someone when you are far away and can't touch loved ones, but you are thinking about them, and we know they are thinking about you, too.
kisses and hugs
gussie and muzzer
Axel
You awe a sweetie fow being thewe fow youw Mom..mommi and I awe so vewy sad to heaw of the loss of hew beloved aunt.she sounds like she was a wondewful pewson and those who knew hew wewe lucky..hew love will always be with youw Mom.give hew a comfowting smoochie kiss fwom me..
love
Asta and Mommi
We are very sad for the loss of Aunty Jo. Take a good care of your mommy.
Kisses, Faya
so glad you had the opportunity to meet aunt jo, ax... and i'm sure it is nice to hear such wonderful stories about such a funky and amazing woman. your mama was blessed to have her in her life, and is blessed to live with her memory- certainly an inspiration for her, and i'm sure aunt jo would be thrilled to know that. continue to take care of your mom, and i'm glad you've tuned the barking down a little (you're smart, little guy :) auntie lynne
Axel, you are really a good boy to take care of your grieving mother! She really needs you right now! We are very sorry for the loss of Aunty Jo! It makes it even harder when you can't be with your family at a time like this.
Aire-hugs,
Poppy & Penny
Axel-
Please hug your momma for us. We are so sorry to hear of your Aunt Jo's untimely passing. I know it must be so hard to be away from her family, but at least she has you and your daddy to comfort her.
Tell her we love her and give her lots of attention...okay?
Hugs, Mackie, Ollie, Finnegan and parents
Oh Axel Keep giving your Mum extra loving for awhile she'll need it.It's so hard when you are far away.Give her a big hug from all of us too.Love A+A+PL2
Axel, we offer our condolences for you and your family...it sounds like your aunt was an amazing person and was loved by you mom very much. Sounds like she was a fab cook too!
Ur being a wonderful doggie for your mom, Ax...she just needs to feel your soft head under her hand when she reaches out to you. It's comfortin' to hoomans to have a head to scratch and an warm furry body to hug when they're sad.
We'll keep you in our thoughts, Axel and your parents too...
Scruffy, Lacie and Babystan and Mumsie too....
Axel and Mom,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Aunt Jo. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Keep giving your mom lovies. They work best.
hugs,
Ozzy Romeo & Jen
We are very sorry for your loss. Your Aunty Jo sounds like a lovely person who made the world a better place. I'm glad you have some happy memories to cherish.
William Tell & Family
Dear Axel,
So sorry to hear about your Aunt Jo. Mom and Dad send their condolences. Your Aunt Jo was a very nice lady. Make sure you give your Mom extra licks to cheer her up. From one clown in a dog suit to another don't stop providing non-stop entertainment.
Luna Licks,
Luna and Family
Very sorry to hear of your sad loss. Wirey hugs, J x
Dani,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure you were right there with your Aunt in spirit, if not in geography.
And Axel,
We're proud of you for being such a good boy anb helping your Mom through this tough time.
Lots of wirey love,
Jake and Just Harry -- and Mom, Joan
i'm sure aunt jo will be dearly miss by all
Tell your mom that I am so sorry about her Aunt. I have been very bad about keeping in touch, and I will call her soon.
Love,
L. Chris Miller
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