Aunt Betty

Last week, my sweet Great Aunt Betty left for Canada.  She's been coming to Florida as a snowbird every winter for 26 years, 13 of which I've been blessed to share with her.  My Aunt Betty is my Grandpa's sister and my Dad's Aunt but it wasn't until I was a teenager that I really got to know her.  When I was 19, Mike & I decided to move to the Sarasota area.  We stayed with Aunt Betty & Uncle Jim for almost 3 weeks. They were so welcoming and helpful.  My Aunt Betty fed us dinner every night and helped us move into our first place.  She was a lifesaver.  Sadly, my Uncle Jim died eight years ago but my sun loving independent Aunt still kept coming to Florida without him.  

Every April when it was time to say goodbye it was never sad because we always knew we'd see each other again soon.  Over the last few years Aunt Betty has been getting older and she decided that this snowbird season was going to be her last.  As hard as it was for me to say goodbye to my Aunt indefinitely, I know it was even harder for her.  For 26 years this was her winter home!  Besides me and my Grandpa, she also has a ton of friends here.  She LOVES the beach, collecting shells, crafting, playing cards, eating out for dinner and traveling.  She is in her 80s, still drives and surfs the web.  She is quite a lady!  She's lived a full beautiful life but now it's time for her to stay in Canada permanently.  Her 6 kids, many grandkids and great-grandkids are thrilled that she'll be there year round.  Obviously, they've missed her every winter for 26 years!

Aunt Betty has been such a blessing to me.  I'm really going to miss her.  She is such a wonderful lady.  She's always positive, always understanding and never judgmental.  She welcomed me, Mike and my girls into her life with open arms.  I will never forget how much she helped us when we first moved down.  In a way I am very happy I was able to say goodbye to my Aunt Betty the way I did.  Mike & I have now been married homeowners for 10 years, our girls are healthy and happy.  Mike has a good job, our bills are paid and we're planning our future.  We've come a long way in 13 years and I know she's proud of the life she's watched us build.

In true Aunt Betty fashion, I must remind myself about the bright side.  No, she hasn't passed away.  She's just retiring her snowbird status and she's only a phone call or email away anytime I want to talk to her.  Of course, I'll miss spending time with her but at least she's happy and healthy 2000 miles away.  I guess what has been the hardest pill to swallow is that life in general... moves on, we all get older and change is inevitable.

We love you Aunt Betty and we'll miss you!