Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies.
I am so sorry you have not heard from me in nearly three months. Things became a little intense in late January and escalated from there.
Some of you know about my "Aunt Bubba." I posted about her back in 2008 and the link will take you to that very short post. She is the reason we relocated from Austin, Texas to DeRidder, Louisiana, my hometown.
After a very long period of mobility challenges beginning in 2008, she became bedridden in April of 2012. While that does not appeal to any of us, the blessing was her slight level of dementia that apparently allowed her to think she had actually been up and about! After sending her flowers for some occasion, I walked into her bedroom. I saw the flowers and commented on how lovely they were. She immediately responded, "Yes. Aren't they? I cut them this morning in the garden." Okay. LOL! If that's what she thought, so be it. It was now true!! I was happy to discover she did not have real grasp of her situation. Perfect!
Things remained at that level for nearly five years. The caregivers, who all have an incredibly special place in Heaven, took such excellent care of her. They all became her friends and she enjoyed each and every one of them. Two of them were with her from the beginning in late 2008 until the end.
And that's why I titled this "Aunt Bubba Has Left The Planet." She turned age 92 on February 1st. That gave her the longevity title in the family! Unfortunately, the week prior to that, she began experiencing some major challenges. Blessedly and peacefully, she passed away on February 20th. While loss is always difficult, it is made so much less so when one has lived a good, long life and enjoyed so much of it. She was a very fortunate lady for the most part. There were losses of her own... but she was definitely a Steel Magnolia!! She pushed through the difficulties and continued on. A sweet Southern Belle... with the heart of a lion!! :) She (and my mother) graduated from college when not so many women were doing so. She held positions of importance in her career. She traveled extensively. She lived her life to the fullest. We should all be so lucky!!
With all of that said, it is now we must begin the new chapters of our lives. The past 8+ years have been focused on managing her care and business affairs. That will end soon when the final bills are paid and there is nothing left to manage. Stay tuned for more on the new chapters. Right now, just look up and say, "Good Job, Aunt Bubba!"
Until next post...
