It’s been a very sad day on Thursday when the doctor called me to tell me that my grandaunt Margot in Germany passed away at the age of 95. She was my closest relative still alive and a wonderful cheerful person who made many people in her life happy and laugh.
She was always a special role model for me and I will miss her more than anything. She was an amazing woman taking for many years care of my very sick uncle and then traveling 5 continents until she was in her early 80s . As a teenager I couldn’t wait for the postcards I would get from her from far away places like China, Australia, Swaziland or San Francisco just to name a few.
My aunt was a source of stories with an unbelievable stack of family photos which I still haven’t been able to go all through yet. She would tell the funniest and quirkiest stories about family members and I could never get enough listening to them. As a child I remember running into the living room and standing in front of her photo cupboard begging her to take some new photos out and start story telling. We had a very special relationship and when she asked me when I was pretty young, if I would be her care taker when she wouldn’t be able to handle her matters anymore, I happily said yes. It bonded us even more over the years.
Even though I will miss her a lot and it weighs hard on me that I wasn’t with her when she passed on thursday, I know in my heart that she had a really wonderful and fullfilled life and that it was for the best for her as the last couple days were showing that she would probably remain in a terrible state after she suffered another stroke. I was on the brim to fly to Germany any moment, but the doctors had assured me there was no need to come, and that she would be alright. I am glad at least, that I was able to see her one last time awake and laughing and talking for her 95th birthday in December and I will cherish this memory.
For some this might be a weird and very private post and I admit that I wasn’t sure if I should post about it…and to be honest I wasn’t even sure if I could write about it. But I felt that since I have shared so many stories, artwork and layouts regarding my aunt ever since I started blogging in 2006, that it was appropriate to let my long term readers know. Thank you for letting me share all these years our special relationship – and as I have said on Thursday to a lot of my friends:
Do me a favor today: hug a close relative today or call them and tell them how much you love them!
Comments (36)
Mary W
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I’m so happy for the wonderful things that your Aunt was for you and for her. A life worth celebrating! She was beautiful in looks and spirit and I’m sure had a big part in making you the person you are which is an inspiring and caring person that sticks up for what is important. I am hugging my dog since my grandkids just left but even the oldest knows that I want some sugar and a warm hug when I see her. Thank you for your beautiful post today and in previous times. Your words brought to life a tiny bit of her and I enjoyed that tiny bit very much.
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Joi@RR
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Sweet Nat –
Aunt Margot looks just like she did as a child – all her life. She looks like someone everyone would want to know. I love her infectious smile. You should be so proud of this post. It’s just the perfect synopsis of her life’s adventure. The photos are priceless and the way you described her is fantastic. She lived life to the fullest. What a blessing for you to have her in your life for so long.
I’m sad to think of your broken heart right now. It just hurts. Aunt Margot was so very proud of you though Nat and she will be with you – every day – in spirit. Walk forward with her courage and sense of adventure. Follow in her footsteps as you feel her love. She left an incredible inheritance within your heart and soul.
And when you feel up to it… please share more of her stories. She will then live on in our hearts too. Praying for you. Much love, joi
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Sandy
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Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute. Your aunt’s spirit lives o with you.
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Jane LaFazio
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Beautiful post for a beautiful, adventurous woman. A fine tribute. Xoxo
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Mary Anne Perlmutter
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Nat, this is such a touching story. It is the memories that we will never forget. I feel blessed that you felt you could share this with all of us. May you, continue on with her laughter and stories forever etched in your heart.
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Jean Marmo
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I am so sorry for your loss. I remember reading your stories of your aunt. Sounds like she was a very special lady.
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Win Dinn
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So sorry to hear about your dear Aunt Margot, Nat. It is beyond difficult to lose someone who has been a huge part of your life for so long.
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Micki Harper
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Oh I am so sorry, Nat. I went home to Bad Hersfeld over Christmas and Oma didn’t even recognize my name. I am so so sorry and sending you big big hugs.
PS. I am so sorry that I can’t make it to My Hearts Fancy in March (yes, I do drive 6 hours for art classes) but i so hope you will come back next year and I will be there!
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Jackie P Neal
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Dear Nathalie,
I cannot begin to express my sadness for your loss of your beloved Aunt Margot. I am glad that you posted this as many of us looked forward to your shares of photos and stories of her and your relationship. I knew this day would come and dreaded it for you- my heart is heavy for you,my friend. Remembering all of your special times together and knowing of that special bond of love that held you two so close,may help to ease the sadness over time.
Aunt Margot is on with another journey now as are you- give yourself time to grieve then rejoice again in her life ! My thoughts and prayers are with you both- sending you hugs and much love dear Nathalie-
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Mandy C
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Hugs to you dear Nat and best wishes for your Aunt Margo on her next journey. Thank you for sharing and celebrating her many stories in the blogging world, she was a special lady.
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Barb
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Lovely tribute to Aunt Margot, Nathalie. You are blessed to have such an awesome family member.
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Linda on the Prairie
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May you find comfort in rich memories. You were loved well and gave a full measure of love in return.
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awink2u
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What a blessing that you had such a fascinating woman in your life! I am very sorry for your loss and I pray for your peace and comfort. Hugs!
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Laura S
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Nathalie, Thank you for all the wonderful stories of your dear Aunt Margot. Family stories are the best and I’m sure you will hold them all close to heart, along with the sweet memories of your Aunt. Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers, your way.
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Traci Ahangarzadeh
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Nathalie, I am so very sorry for your loss. I too remember the stories you’ve told about your sweet aunt. It has been a gift to us for the shared stories and art. Sending hugs and wishing you comfort.
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nurse-ratchet
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RIP Dear Margo. Nathalie loved you so much…what soul could ask for more in life than to be truly loved….
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nurse-ratchet
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Sorry Margot…I retried to stop the post to correct your name….
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Lizzie
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So sorry to hear of your loss. I loved reading your stories of Aunt Margot and you must be happy that she had along and fulfilling life. It is good that you have been able to write about her. I hope you will treasure your memories of her for many years to come. My thoughts are with you.
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chrisdomino
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So sad to learn of your Aunt’s passing.I know you treasure every special time spent with her and a lifetime of memories. Sending you a big hug!
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Madeline Rains
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I have loved the posts about your aunt and feel how sad this must be. Thanks for sharing this and all that you’ve shared about your relationship.
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Deborah A. Pierro
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Nat, so sorry about your loss. I know how much you aunt meant to you. Blessings.
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Marianne Johansson
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So sorry for your loss *hugs*
I remember several posts where you have been writing about her and she sounded like a very special lady and also a fabolus aunt for you!
Take care and remember all the good memories.
lots of hugs
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Sue Clarke
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Oh Nat, HUGE hugs to you from me. I have so enjoyed the stories and LO’s that you’ve shared about your very special Aunt Margot. Clearly you two had a wonderful and special relationship. Her stories and photos will be with you always.
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Tricia
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So sorry for your loss, Nathalie. Thank you, so much, for sharing about your aunt.
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Indina
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Liebe Nat,
ich denke an Dich und schicke Dir alle guten Gedanken und viel Kraft über den Ozean. Danke, dass Du so viele Erlebnisse und Erinnerungen mit uns geteilt hast.
Herzliche Grüße, Indina
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paula C
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thoughts with you today. So hard to loose a loved one that means so much. xx
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