I remember you having a spark that no one else I’ve ever known has had. There was something mysterious to you... the way you always had your hair tightly braided in two braids that we’re pinned across your head like a crown. It was intriguing to watch you do your hair and I always wondered if my hair would ever be long enough to do that way. Anytime anyone braided my hair in two braids, I would try to pull them up over my head like yours, no matter how long it had been since I’d seen you or even heard from you. To this day, I still remember how perfect and smooth your hair and braids were.
When I got to college and was able to spend so much time with you and Auntie Carola, time I’d never gotten before, I found friendship I never knew I could have. You made life more vibrant, fun, and interesting, while also providing a sense of warmth, safety, familiarity, history, and home. I found myself lingering more and more each visit. The Friday night soup dinners you and Auntie Carola hosted became my lifeline... not because I wanted free food, but because I wanted to be in both of your presence. It became the calm in the midst of a lasting anxiety and depression I didn’t know I had at the time.
You became someone I knew I could turn to in moments of trouble...
When Kyle and I were newlyweds living in Walla Walla, I knew I could text you in the middle of the night when I was sick and didn’t know what to take. You would always have good medical advice and the right medication, and I always knew you’d be up because you were the most genuine night owl I’ve ever known. I honestly believe you were actually part owl.
You were one of the first people I wanted to tell when I got pregnant. I knew it would excite you and telling you was special. I knew you’d want to hear to all the details, which meant a lot to me because I’ve always felt that people are overwhelmed by all the details I naturally tend to share... when everyone else made me feel like I talk too much, you made me feel like everything I wanted to share was important. And you even liked the details. You remembered birthdays, birth stones, name meanings, favorite chocolates, favorite colors... I felt hear and known.
I remember when I couldn’t sleep in the middle of the nights during my pregnancy, I felt lonely. When it hit me that you would be awake, I could hardly contain my joy and had to call you whenever the thought came to me. I still cherish the calls we had those nights... talking about baby names, what symptoms I was experiencing, how I would decorate the nursery, the fun things I wanted to get for her, and so much more.
I was so excited to introduce you to Lynnora on FaceTime! All the dreams we had talked about were realized in her precious face and I knew you would love her! Continuing the late night calls with you on her sleepless nights was amazing... I loved showing you what she was learning and accomplishing. I couldn’t wait to show you how much she loved her Aurora Borealis gift from you... it was one of the first things she ever truly connected with. I loved that it was from you because she and I both loved it so much.
I’ll never forget the night you met Lynnora in person. It was perfect and precious. You were glowing as you held her. I loved sitting on the couch with you and Adriana that evening watching your childhood videos and seeing a glimpse into our family history. It was beautiful. Cuddling into your shoulder brought a comfort to my heart in the midst of my worry for your health.
Since your passing, my heart has been constantly swirling of the memories of soup dinners
—Chinese New Year, Passover, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations—the family weddings, the traditions, you face when we would sing The Lord Bless You and Keep You, your beautiful laugh, and your ability to pull people together. I’m struggling to accept the fact that you’re
really gone. You will always be a part of my heart and I will always love you intensely. I hope you knew that.
Love your niece,
Chelsea
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