Friday, September 13, 2024
Aunt Sue was one of those people who brought light and warmth wherever she went. She was my safe place, someone I could always run to when I needed comfort, a laugh, or just to feel understood. And oh, how she made me laugh every single time I seen her. One of my favorite memories is from when I was maybe 7 years old. We were heading out for one of our many shopping trips, and she cranked the radio all the way up. "It's My Party" by Lesley Gore came on, and we sang it at the top of our lungs, completely carefree. Then "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" by Brian Hyland started, and we sang even louder, as if the whole world could hear our joy. In that moment, I felt like nothing else mattered but being there with her.
She had this gift of turning the ordinary into something special. At birthday parties, she always made sure everyone felt included. She’d bring a little gift for everyone, not just the birthday kid, and somehow, she made each of us feel important and seen. She had this beautiful way of making life feel full of joy and magic.
But Aunt Sue wasn’t just about fun and laughter, she had a heart so full of love, you could taste it in her cooking. No one, and I truly mean no one, could make spaghetti like her. Her sauce was my absolute favorite, and whenever she cooked, it felt like home. It was more than just the food, it was the way she made you feel welcome, like you belonged right there at her table.
The last memory I have of her is at her birthday party, and even then, she was the most iconic person in the room, radiant, full of life, and loved by everyone around her. Aunt Sue always had a way of making everything better, just by being herself.
Aunt Sue, thank you for the endless laughter, the unforgettable memories, and for filling my childhood with so much love. You’ll always be in my heart, forever missed but never forgotten I love you.
