One of the best!

Today I read a blog about happy people and what they do to make themselves happy! It was filled with things like "Be Considerate", "Choose Friends Wisely", "Appreciate Life", "Invest in relationships", "Enjoy life", "Gratitude", Mind their own business"...
I have met many happy, bubbly people in my life. I have met people who just being near them puts a smile on your face. Those people who are genuinely happy that give off a "happy vibe". But when I think of happy people or good people - like people who truly care about people I think of one person in particular. That one person is my Aunty Faye. Unfortunately Aunty Faye passed away 7 years ago (in July), but let me tell you about this remarkable woman. She was this woman who everyone loved. She never thought much of herself. She always considered herself as "unimportant". In fact she told people that when she died she didn't need a eulogy because there was nothing special to say about her. Let me tell you, she couldn't of been more wrong. My Aunty Faye had the biggest heart. She loved unconditionally. She had 4 grandsons and they were her world. I remember visiting her every single day when she was in the hospital. When she got the news that it was only a matter of time before she passed away I was sitting on her hospital bed with her and I asked "Are you scared?" and she said "I'm not scared but I'm sad that I am going to miss out on what my grandsons do." I think she always knew they would be remarkable but she wanted to be there to see just how remarkable they really are.
Aunty Faye was the lady I visited every week (several times a week) . Growing up I would have sleepovers with her and I would comb her hair and tell her stories. She was an amazing cook and would often cook lunch or supper for me if my parents had to work. She never missed a birthday and every Christmas morning I called her to wish her a Merry Christmas and tell her what Santa brought me. Still after 7 years I usually cry at some point Christmas morning wishing I could call her.I can still hear her voice.
Aunty always saw the good in everyone. She never held a grudge or showed anger. When someone once stole from her she still allowed that person in her home, cooked him supper and once said "he obviously needed that more than me". She is a person that I thrive to be like. A dear friend of mine once said that I am like my Aunty Faye and even though I don't believe it, it was the biggest compliment I have ever received to this date.
Aunty died a year before my wedding. When I got engaged and went dress shopping and found "the dress" I had my Mom take a photo so that I could bring it to Aunty who was very sick at the time. I wanted her to see me in my dress. When I gave birth to my daughter I knew her middle name had to be "Faye". I wanted so badly for Aunty Faye to hold her. She was amazing with babies. Every baby in the world was content when Aunty Faye held them and every baby that she held was loved with all of Aunty's heart. I talk about Aunty Faye to my kids often. I tell them about the things I did with her and what she was like. I show them photos and explain how much she would have loved to meet them. We visit her grave and speak to her. There was something magical about that woman. Something unexplainable. Maybe she wasn't "special" like she said - she is something more than that. She was extraordinary.
I was lucky enough to have Aunty Faye in my life for 21 years. I wish I would of had her in my life for 21 more. I miss her everyday but am so grateful for the time I had with her. If you ever meet someone who knew her, ask about her, get them to tell you a story about her. Everyone who ever met her was struck by her. She was pure magic and never knew it. She was humble and beautiful. She loved everyone and had no judgment. I often wondered why God had to take someone so perfect off this planet but I like to think he needed that angel back in heaven.
I hope she is looking down and is proud of what she sees. I hope she is watching her 4 grandsons grow into the magical human beings that they are. I hope she sees her son and her daughter. I hope she is watching over me - guiding me in my journey as a wife and mother. I hope she is smiling. I hope she is sewing and cooking and spending time with Grandma Honey. I hope she now sees how extraordinary she is.