I haven’t been posting as usual lately because last Saturday we (meaning my husband and I) received some devastating news: my wonderful Aunt Alice passed away. (Since Wayne’s been a major part of my life for nearly 2/3 of it now, he definitely got a chance to come to know and love my Aunt Alice as much as I did.)
IN MEMORIUM
Like me, my aunt also had cancer. She was first diagnosed in September 2008 with ovarian cancer. Then I was diagnosed in December of that same year with lymphoma.
She was just finishing up treatments as I began mine. We traded war stories as we struggled to heal and I sense, though she never said it in so many words, that having someone to laugh and cry about the indignities of cancer helped her as much as it did me.
This past April hers came back though. This time it brought a friend: along Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). That’s what ultimately stole her life on July 24, 2010.
We headed up to Indiana for the funeral this week. It was a whirlwind of emotions, but I did get to see my dad. Horrible circumstances to see him under but I was happy his health (which has been failing lately) was good enough to allow him to make the journey. I know he would’ve been crushed if he couldn’t. Him and his sister were as thick as thieves their whole lives. Everyone who knew her loved her. She is going to be missed fiercely by many.
Me and Aunt Alice in Jacksonville, FL May 2004
HAUNTED HOSPITAL JAUNT
We just got back late Wednesday night. This afternoon I’m heading south to catch up with Steve from Ghost Eyes, Jessica of Ghost Stories and Haunted Places, Ray of Southern Ghosts, and a few others I’ve met mainly via Twitter to stay the night and investigate at the Old South Pittsburgh Hospital.
(Speaking of Jessica, she wrote a funny post about what PJs to wear. I’ll be sure to let everyone know what she ended up doing!)
Tomorrow we may also head over to Lookout Mountain, Tennessee and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and scope out the battlefield. Not a true investigation, much more along the lines of a haunt jaunt, but it’s another place I’ve never been so two new haunt jaunts under my belt.
A LOOK AHEAD
Next week should see things getting back more on track around here. Here’s a few of the things in store:
- I’m teaming up with Chateau Grrr in the “Cruise Against Lymphoma Raffle” (7 day cruise can be yours for only $25!)
- I’ll be posting an interview with Washington’s Haunted Hotspots author Linda Moffitt.
- We’ll welcome back guest blogger Jen Blaney with a post about the USS Salem. (You might recall her other post on the Bridgewater Triangle.)
- We’ll be announcing details on this year’s Halloween blog party. (It’s going to be even better than last year!)
What an awesome niece you are! So glad you had someone to share your indignities of cancer with, and someone so special “at that”… Very happy you got to see dad as well… My thoughts and prayers are still and always with you. Keep up the writing my friend, so proud of you!
Sorry to hear about your Aunt. I know that she has been an inspiration to you. I will send out prayers to you and your family.
Your aunt was very very lucky to have you and your husband in her life and I’m quite certain you both know how important she was in yours. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss. Much much too soon! My thoughts are with you, sweetie.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her story. *big hugs*
Courtney,
I’m so saddened by the loss of you beloved aunt. You were both so fortunate to have each other! I hope you and Steve are laughing and sharing happy memories through the tears; and your dad is doing OK. Your aunt is such a bright spirit, I’m sure that despite the grieving, she would want it that way. My heart goes out to you, as well as the rest of your family. *hugs and love*
Thanks so very much everyone for your well wishes, virtual hugs and all the prayers. I’ve felt your grace! The funeral was rough (as funerals are) BUT…I had the blessing of seeing family and catching up with people (friends of the family) I hadn’t seen in years. It was great. I believe all the positive vibes sent my way by you and so many others facilitated that so THANK YOU!