Saturday, December 21, 2024
I was so grateful that my mom's favourite first cousin and his family lived in Ontario when I came here in late 1987. Uncle Alf, Aunty Muriel and Verant welcomed me with a meal in Toronto in early 1988 and we talked late into the night. We kept in contact via email and phone and I visited their Oakville home often. Meeting Wendy and Christine's young families was always an adventure. Aunty Muriel led by example. Her daughters are as equally gracious, kind and concerned about other peoples' wellbeing as she was. A truly close family, that I so enjoyed visiting. Aunty Muriel and I realised quickly that we shared the belief that toast had to the buttered to the edges. She would send me home with her wonderful scones and homemade marmalade. She adored her grandchildren and then her great grandchildren. She shared stories about them with deep sighs, giggles and often ended with "oh well, I am glad I no longer have to keep up with them". Aunty Muriel and I agreed about most things, except pets. I loved pets and she tolerated them. She regaled stories about them that made me realise just how much she loved Uncle Alf and their children. When they lived in Brockville, I asked if my medium sized dog, Bella could come with me. She hesitated, laughed and said okay. Well after a day, she and Bella were best buddies. She marvelled at how she went to the front door and did a quiet woof, asking to be let out. She chatted with her and told her she was the best behaved dog she had ever met. When we left, she repeated that Bella was welcome back and that she could bring me too. Uncle Alf and Aunty Muriel, I believe lived so long, because they had purpose in their lives. They were always included in family vacations, celebrated events with their childrens' families and knew how much they were loved. RIP Aunty Muriel. You were a class act right to the end.
