Monday, October 7, 2019

Dear God,

Today I was finally able to visit Aunt Jodie in the rehab center.  I leaned down and hugged her in her wheelchair.  That's when I thought of all the times she has hugged me throughout my 73 years.  At 92 she's given a lot of hugs to a lot of us kids.  We may not have fully appreciated it at the time; now, I cherish every moment with her.

Aunt Jodie made the best chicken and noodles.  She made wonderful pies.  Her frozen corn, canned tomatoes and green beans always spoke love to me.  All the time and attention she took in preparing wonderful meals that delighted the taste buds touched everyone of us at her table.

My precious aunt can't really cook anymore.  So I take her jars of my home-canned foods like peaches, pear butter, carrots, beets, and pears and plenty of strawberry peach jam.  Although it is only a small token of appreciation, I love to see her eyes light up.

As I hugged her once last time before I left, I thanked her for all the gifts she has given through the years.  "I love you," I told her.

Aunt Jodie's hugs
feel a lot
like yours,
O God.
In her presence
I feel yours.
Thank you
for the blessing.

Love, Andrea