This morning, I received word that my Aunt Louise had died at 4:30 AM.  She was one of the best aunts in the whole world.   One of my mother’s older sisters, she would have turned 100 in June.  She was probably a little disappointed that she didn’t make that goal.

Because she was so active, she had a fall last week which caused a blood clot on her brain, otherwise, she would still be running around making everyone feel good.  She is our loss.

Louise was the kind of woman who remembered everyone’s name and what they were doing.  Even the in-laws!  We have a gigantic family.  Lou was one of 9 children.  There are over 40 first cousins and I cannot count the cousins’ children and so on.  However, she would faithfully ask for my husband by name and my children.  She did this for all her nieces and nephews.

She and her husband Eric were married for over 70 years.  Eric was not of the same religion as Louise, but it didn’t matter.  He went with her to church every Sunday of their time together, eventually converting and then taking her to church every day! 

They suffered tragedy.  Louise wanted a large family more than anything in life.  She was blessed with three sons.  They were her world.  Her oldest son was one of the first casualties in the Vietnam War.  While there was great sorrow (lasting to this day), there was still the constancy of God in their lives.

They lived a deeply Christian, caring and loving life.  Together they were a strong example of faith in action.  She, like my mother, would not be able to argue theological concepts.  Rather, she would tell you that she just believed.  She trusted in a loving God who would be there in any time of need.  She believed in a God who would be there always.  She practiced her faith.

I know that she would agree that God loves you unconditionally.  Go with God, Louise!

Terri