My Mum is from a huge family, she was no 11 of 13 and a lot of her sisters lived fairly close. My Auntie Kathleen and her husband Martin were always a wonderful sanctuary for me and I used to spend quite a lot of time with them, with my Mum and without.
I didn't really have many positive male role models around, but my Uncle Martin was the best man I've ever known. He was a quite, gentle man but strong in his convictions and values. I was always really happy to spend time with him and he always treated me like a person not as a nuisance. My Auntie Kathleen taught me to bake and always made a place for me in her home.
The picture above is me with them at one of their favourite places, along the river Thames near Sunbury. We often went for a walk down there.
Unfortunately, Uncle Martin came down with bowel cancer and died when I was 17 and he was in his early 60's. He was the first significant person to die in my life and I still miss him dreadfully. Auntie Kathleen carried on and never had any major illnesses until a few months ago when she had a stroke. She hadn't been able to talk, eat or really walk since.
Today, she was buried in the same grave as Uncle Martin and for the first time in 23 years they are together again.
R.I.P.
9 comments:
I am so sorry for the loss of your Auntie Kathleen. What a beautiful tribute to them both. Thanks for sharing such a wonderfully touching story.
They look like a fun couple. So very sorry for your loss.
What a blessing to have the influence of your aunt and uncle in your lives. How sweet that they are reunited, but I'm sorry for your loss all the same.
What a tribute to realize that your uncle treated you as a person and not a nuisance - that's the mark of a true man in my book.
A lovely tribute to a couple who obviously meant so much to you.
Cheers
Helen
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Auntie Kathleen, but a wonderful tribute to both your Aunt and Uncle. How lovely to be able to share time with them, enjoy their company and feel loved and respected.
This post was such a beautiful way to honour the memory of two very significant people in your lives.
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your Aunt Kathleen. Where ever she is lets hope she's baking up a storm and taking walks with Uncle Martin.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us Shevvy.
Oh, Shevvy, what a beautiful post! I'm so honored you would share these wonderful people with us. How truly blessed you are to have the love and amazing influences of your Uncle Martin and Auntie Kathleen. May their memories be eternal. Thank you for sharing. (((HUGS)))
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words that help. Only remembering the really good things, and FTF is a really good place to honor their memory.
I am truly sorry for your loss, your uncle and auntie sound like they were lovely people and a special part of your life. My uncle and aunty are the same for me.
I am glad they are together again and your auntie is no longer suffering from her stroke. My gran had the same thing and was in a home for 4 years, it was heartbreaking to go and see her.
I know you are happy that they are both now at peace. Thanks for sharing, your post was very moving.
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