Tuesday, April 22, 2014
...She always made you feel that you were important and that she really cared. I will miss, but never forget the way she greeted others: a huge smile on her face, and arms ready to hug, her beautiful voice would sound so excited as she called your name :) I will always remember that feeling of comfort and happiness!
I was lucky to have had Aunty May in my life since the time I was born and she was a dear friend to my parents for many years before that. When I was about 4-years-old she came to visit and brought me some Bert & Ernie stuffed dolls…..she always wanted me to know that she thought I was special. She would braid my hair and say "Angie, Angie" in that happy voice of hers. She always wanted what was best for others, even when she had so much going on her her own life. She was so generous; even when she had very little herself, there May would be- coming by to GIVE something that our family needed or just something to make you feel good!
When I was in my early 20's I had been away a lot and had not seen Aunty May in quite a few years. I ran into her at the college where she came as an Elder to meet with students. When I saw her, I noticed that she had aged but everything else was just the same. I wondered if she would remember me……..but it took only seconds before she yelled "ANGIE" and was there with a big hug. Not only did she remember me, but she wanted me to know that she always cared about me. For years after that, she would remind me of when I was a little girl and had very long hair-- she would come by our yard and I would always be outside barefoot with dirty toes. She said I would come running across the yard yelling "Aunty May! Aunty May!" and the sunlight would be just sparkling through my hair. I loved hearing her stories…especially that one. I never told her that I remembered those times, or that she had just told that story again last time I saw her because I loved those moments where she would speak and make you feel that you were so important. She could make you feel warm, no matter what hardships you faced. She lived for that….to make others feel loved. Even when she became older and was ill, she still helped so many people and organizations in our community. She always had a joke or funny story ready to share…she never lost that 'spark' about her, in fact it just got better as she aged! There were times where she would make you laugh until you had tears. Other times she knew when you had worry and just wanted to be silent, and was there to sit and hold your hand. She was there for me during some really tough times & even a support when I was alone and pregnant with my first child.
I will see you again some day, Aunty…but until then you will always be in my heart & memories. My parents, my children, and I were so fortunate to have your friendship in our lives for so many years.
My deepest sympathies to her children & grandchildren: she spoke of you all so often, and loved you very much. She was always so happy to tell others about going home to see you, and liked when her kids & grand baby's came to visit her.
You spent your time on Earth spreading smiles to so many, and now we must accept that you have gone to rest with the Creator… and I hope that you left with a smile, knowing what you did meant so much. Heaven should get ready for your crazy jokes, because I'm sure even that place won't slow you down :)
With sympathy & love,
Angela Beam Charlton & kids: Adrianna and Thompson.
