{Harlo and Marjie, early 2009}

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, My Great Aunt Marjie passed away. A few weeks ago she fell and broke her back and she was in a lot of pain. As hard as it was to think of Marjie not being around anymore, I couldn’t stand the thought of that sweetest lady being in absolutely any pain. I definitely have mixed feelings about her passing, but I know she’s in such a better place, where she’s eating all the coke and mint milano cookies and ice cream she can handle! I’m sure she still insists on taking Asprin, too. I knew Marjie couldn’t live forever, but I was just so hoping she would live long enough for my babies to remember her, and know her. I know she’s probably squishing and holding my baby in heaven right now preparing her for her new life with us.
Marjie is the only Grandma I have ever known, she taught us what it was to be loved by someone besides our parents and she really taught me how to love as a mother, a sister and an aunt. I think about Aunt Marjie every single day in how I react when Harlo does something naughty, or when I snuggle her to sleep, I think about her anytime I get to love on my nieces and nephews. Marjie never had any kids of her own, but she really was the best mom anyway. She is the best, most loving woman I’ve ever met in my life. We’ll miss her more than words can describe.