Aunt Mickey

My sweet Aunt Mickey (Mary) went home to Heaven on November 24th, after experiencing a very bad stroke. It's still hard for me to believe, because it was so sudden. She was just visiting my parents in October. My heart is filled with sadness, knowing she is gone now, and that I didn't get to say goodbye. But my heart is also filled with comfort and hope because I know I'll see her again one day. Right now she is where she wanted to be, with her Lord and Savior, and reunited with her dear late husband, Lindy. 

They were quite the couple. I was always awed by the love they had for each other. Together they raised 4 children, have 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-grand daughter. My heart goes out to all of my cousins. Aunt Mickey's memorial service is today, in California, and I'm not able to be there. 

 

I have such wonderful memories of my Aunt and the times we spent together with family, both when they would visit us in New York, and when we would visit them in California. We would always have family dinners outside on the patio, everyone lined down a set of picnic tables and chairs. I remember when I was 13, and my Mom and I took a trip to Anahiem together and stayed at Aunt Mickey's house. I was amazed by the master suite my Uncle Lindy had built onto their ranch home for Aunt Mickey. Old Hollywood glamor. I loved trying on Aunt Mickey's gowns and jewelry.

I got my first taste of Disney Land, which has always had a special place in our hearts because Uncle Lindy worked on it when it was being built. We also went to Knot's Berry Farm. 

It's hard to believe Aunt Mickey was 86. Such a beautiful and classy lady. She was also a talented seamstress and made many of her own clothes. I loved her sewing room.

This photo was taken in 2002 with a big group of us! We always joked that Aunt Mickey's house was like a hotel. There was always someone coming or going and if you needed a place to stay, you could stay at her house. She was a blessing to so many people and anyone that knew her, knew that her door was always open. 

Aunt Mickey was a sweetheart. She loved God with her whole heart and she showed so much love to others. She also loved her dogs.

She was a tiny little thing! Here she is with towering bookends, my cousins Brad and Todd.

A visit at our house in the 1990's. Left to right: Jim, Lindy and Paul (I know you're not gonna like this photo Dad, but it was the best one I could locate :)

I forgot that we took this photo in 2000, for Aunt Mickey's 75th birthday. 

Looking beautiful with her granddaughter Amanda, at Amanda and Joey's wedding in 2006.

I'm so glad we got to go to attend my cousin's wedding. Here we posed before the wedding, in front of the house. This was Andrew's first time meeting my family in California. It was a wonderful time. 

Aunt Mickey, I'm so thankful I got to know you and spend time with you. Your home was always such a welcoming place that I loved visiting. You are a treasure and an irreplaceable part of our family. I miss you already, but I know I'll see you again. Please give a hug from me to Uncle Lindy and my Grandma.