Tuesday, May 6, 2008

One Last Thursday

Aunt Ruth on her 80th birthday
For roughly thirty years, Thursday has meant lunch with Aunt Ruth. Sometimes she would make us lunch at her house and we always enjoyed a cup of tea. Other times we ate at the local restaurant that has the yummy desserts. Since, January, my visits were mostly in the afternoon as she wasn't feeling up to eating out anymore. We still had our cup of tea.

We shared a love of crafts and hand work. She did wonderful cross stitch, sewed cute dolls, animals and tote bags and crocheted many beautiful afghans. I think she lost count of how many Ann and Andy dolls she made. She used to piece quilt squares that she cut with her scissors one at a time from fabric that she had marked with a pencil. She called these her utility quilts. Each one was a work of art in my eyes.

Aunt Ruth loved flowers and birds. Before it became too difficult for her, she had bird feeders outside her kitchen window so she could enjoy watching them. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, especially ones that depicted places she had traveled. The finished puzzles adorn the walls in her garage. Crossword puzzles also held her interest and she played a mean game of Scrabble.

We often solved the world's problems sitting across from each other at her kitchen table. There were searches to find the name of a person, a place or a particular pattern. This was homework for us - meant to report the following Thursday. When I left her last week, I said, "See you next Thursday." I didn't know it would be the last one. She wasn't just my aunt, she was one of my best friends and I will miss her every day.

49 comments:

sewkalico said...

Oh that's so sad. I can imagine you will miss your Aunt very much.

Carolyn said...

What a beautiful tribute. She sounds like an amazing lady...

Nanette Merrill said...

Aw Jeanne aaren't you so so glad you spent time with her! Think how many people have an aunt they don't go see. I had an Aunt Ruth but she didn't live close so I didn't get to know mine like you did yours. What a sweet sweet person. And you are better for having spent time with her. What a nice memory.

Fabricmom said...

God Bless you in your time of need. Thank you for sharing this with us. Hugs and prayers are being sent your way.

Paula said...

Oh Jeanne, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful friend and aunt. I know that not one moment spent with her will ever be regretted. I know you are so grateful for the blessing of her friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Cyber hugs, friend.

Greenmare said...

oh that is so beautiful. You were so blessed to know her and share so much with her. She will really live on through you. gentle hugs~~

Pat said...

I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful Lady. I am sure that she will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to you and her loved ones.

Mary Johnson said...

Jeanne, I'm sorry for your loss.

Kim said...

How sweet you spent all that time with your aunt. Losing a loved one leaves a big hole in our hearts but we need to remember all the good memories we have
Big hugs to you

Pam said...

You know Jeanne, it sounds to me like YOU were one of her best friends! What a great friend and niece you have been to Aunt Ruth...I can only imagine how blessed you both were by having had such a special relationship. Breaks my heart that she is no longer there for you...makes me smile that you were always there for her.

Pam@
www.pamgwillim.com

Candace said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful lady, and I know you will have lots of good memories of the time you spent with her.

dot said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like you have very fond and fun memories of a beautiful lady.

Gina said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I had the same sort of relationship with my Great Aunt. She died 6 months after I got married and I still miss her everyday.
I'll keep you in my thoughts.

love and hugs xxx

Cathi said...

Your Aunt Ruth sounds like a marvelously special woman. You are very fortunate that you were able to spend that time with her every week. What a beautifully written tribute. Hugs in sympathy

Anne Ida said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Jeanne. She sounds like a wonderful and very special lady, and know that the good memories of the time you spent with her will help you through.
Take care!

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Aunt and friend. The time you spent with her are full of memories you will have forever. I'll be praying for you and your family in this difficult time. What a blessing you were to one another....
Regina

Unknown said...

Jeanne, I am so sorry for your loss. I know it must be hard but remember to celebrate her life and all that she was. I am sure she would not want you to be sad. All the best to you and your family. Sincerely, Jo

Mama Spark said...

Jeanne, I am so sorry for your loss! It seems she was more than just your aunt. Remember all the good times you had with her and she will live on!

Rhonda said...

Jeanne, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. You've been a wonderful niece and friend to a wonderful and sweet Aunt.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs.

Darlene said...

A terrific tribute to your Aunt - keep all your wonderful memories close to your heart, Jeanne! Such sadness and yet you must celebrate her life.

(HUG)

Libby said...

It sounds like that you had a wonderful relationship with Aunt Ruth - very special memories for you to have. I hope you'll have a cup of tea on Thursdays still. I bet it would make her smile *s* You'll be in my thoughts.

Andrea said...

Aww Jeanne - I'm so sorry. Least you have good memories. Take care x

Jan said...

Hugs and Prayers to you on the loss of your dear, sweet Aunt, so glad you got to spend such nice times with her!

Sweet P said...

I agree with Carolyn - what a beautiful tribute to your aunt. Everyone should have an aunt to have lunch with one day a week.

Michelle said...

I'm so sorry for your loss...I'm sure you treasure those lovely Thursdays visits even more now. God Bless...

Beth said...

Jeanne, I'm sorry for your loss. Be sure that she is in a beautiful place now.

Kim said...

Thank you for sharing a bit of your Aunt Ruth with us. I am sorry for your loss, but happy that you had such a wonderful relationship.

Rose Johnston said...

Oh Jeannie, Im so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing woman, it was a wonderful tribute to her!!

Tazzie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure your Aunt is smiling down on you from heaven.
*hugs*
Tazzie

Yvonne said...

Oh Jeanne....I'm so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Elly D said...

I am so sorry for your loss Jeanne, such a lovely tribute you wrote for your Aunt and such a precious photo you have of her.
My heartfelt prayers and hugs to you.
Elly

Knot Garden said...

So sorry to hear about your aunt. She sounds like a very talented and special person. Your post is a lovely tribute to her.

Carin said...

I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tradition to see her every week. You have been very blessed.

Renee said...

Oh, how sad. I'm sorry for your loss. Just think of all those wonderful memories that you have of your Aunt. Cherish them.

Rose Marie said...

Oh how we wish we can hang onto those we love just a wee bit longer .... but sadly, other plans always gets in the way.

Quilter Kathy said...

I'm so sorry Jeanne for your loss.
What wonderful memories you have.
I enjoyed reading about the time you spent together. And I'm sure your presence was a real blessing to her all these years.

Marisa said...

Your Aunt looks like such a sweet person. I am so sorry to hear of your sad news. I'm glad that you have so many great memories of her. I hardly knew most of my aunts.

Hanne said...

I am so sorry for your loss !
Thanks for sharing your memories.

Unknown said...

How lovely memories you will have of your friendship with your aunt. I am sorry to hear of your loss.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

What a great photo to remember all your wonderful Thursday lunches. I am sorry for your loss, you both were lucky to have each other.
-Evelyn

Purple Pam said...

I am sorry for your loss. But now you must celebrate your aunt's life. All those wonderful memories that you have of her will help you through these tough times. Celebrate, don't be sad.

quiltmom anna said...

Jeanne,
I think that it is wonderful that you have made so many terrific memories of times with your aunt. May they bring you comfort and help you as you deal with her loss. You wrote a beautiful tribute to her that honors and celebrates her life.
I am sorry for your loss.
Regards from a Western Canadian quilter,
Anna

julieQ said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Good for you for being so faithful to her each Thursday.

Floss said...

She sounds like a wonderful lady. Sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing your memory of Ruth, what a great tribute.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Jeanne, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I know it's very hard to deal with the loss of our loved ones. Treasure all the wonderful memories you have of her.
My prayers are with you and your family.

Passionate Quilter said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Aunt Ruth--she sounds like a very neat lady. How lucky for you to have enjoyed her for over 30 years! I'm sure there's lot of memories racked up over that time.

Nann said...

You and Ruth were blessings to one another. Your Thursdays will not be the same . . . but what wonderful memories you created over all these years. May those memories provide a measure of comfort to you now.

Karen said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Aunt Ruth. You have such wonderful memories of time well spent with her.
My prayers go out to you and I hope with the many memories you have that it helps you through this difficult time.

bingo~bonnie said...

I know I'm quite behind in reading - but I just could not pass on bye without commenting and telling you how sorry I am for your loss of your Aunt Ruth.

She sounds a lot like my "Momma Newt" I had growing up. She also like your aunt Ruth "made countless sets of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for all of us grandkids and greatgrands.... and also cut with her scissors one at a time from fabric that she had marked with a pencil."

I have no doubt that your Aunt Ruth has been greeted by my "Momma Newt" and together they are recalling all the great memories they had here on earth and with their families :) as they shared their love by making special things for the ones they loved.

Big Hugs and Love from Texas!! ~bonnie