Loved.

Today, well, actually yesterday, Sunday, the 17th of October, my Aunt Elsie died. She wasn't exactly my aunt, more like my great Aunt, or cousin, I can't be for sure, but I always called her Aunt Elsie. She lived in Mansfield most of her life that I knew her. For the past year and a half, she has suffered from different complications more than likely due to the doctor's negligence, including being blind due to an infection that could have been prevented, muscles atrophied, and finally deduced to being medically (morphine) induced sleep to ease the aches and pains of just laying there, without eating or drinking for close to 8 days. Doug, her son, Mom and Josey (a great friend) were all there when she passed.

This woman, who I so candidly remember staying with when I was little, was definitely a bright light in my life. She hardly ever failed to call me "doll girl" (or any of us girls that were special to her), told me how proud she was when I would come to see her, or stop by when I was working in the Dallas area. She had a contagious smile and laugh, and was rarely upset or irritated. The only times she was irritated, she turned it into a smile. Said time wasn't to be wasted on things you can't change. From watching Kerry von Erich wrestle, laying on a pallet on the living room floor to eating her infamous frito salad with catalina dressing, never quite understanding how one person could consume so much Pepsi without getting sick to sitting and talking about Mammaw Dot and growing up. Misty, her cat and Red, the horse are the animals I remember the most. Although, the birds later in the other house, I remember scaring me. ;) I remember all the things she crocheted for me, especially the booties for winter. And, Taco Bueno runs, as well as Whataburger taquitos for breakfast. All good times.

In the late 90's, her husband, Bud, and her son, Lee, were both taken tragically, leaving only her son, Doug. To go through those tragedies, yet able to still smile and see the good in people, amazed me. She started going to church, realized how much God did in her life, and contributed to her happiness. Memories of her always bring a smile to my face. And most of all, I know she loved me. Loved my mom. Loved my family. Always looked out for us in way that no one else could. I will miss that.

I don't have regrets... but I do wish I would have spent more time with her. I was blessed enough to go visit her on my way back from Colorado with Mom this summer. Though she was in and out of lucidity, I could communicate with her, and even though she couldn't see me, I know she knew who I was. And she laughed a lot. I left there feeling good that I at least was able to sit and visit and talk with her, in conversation, even though she was in her bed. Stories told. Lives lived. She was definitely loved.

We are having the funeral for her on Wednesday up there, and I plan on heading up there Tuesday night, but for all of you who read this, please keep her family in your prayers, as this will be a difficult transitional time for all of us. Someone as special as she was isn't here anymore, yet brings to mind all the souls she is celebrating with in Heaven. ;)

Rest In Peace, Aunt Elsie

We love you!

Elsie Warr

2.23.1933 ~ 10.17.2010

(taken 2008)