Goodbye, Aunt Bonnie.

Me, Aunt Bonnie and my brother, Eric.
Greely Hill, California.

It is with great sadness that I write this post, but I feel that it must be done in honor of the woman who took so much time to document the events of my family and our ancestors.

My Aunt Bonnie, my dad's sister, passed away on September 30th, at the age of 79. Her passing came as quite a shock. Despite living with Diabetes and having an issue or two here and there, she was in very good health. In fact, she was one of the most spry 79-year-olds I've ever known. She could literally dance circles around many who were half her age.

It was that enthusiasm and zest for life that I will always remember about my Aunt Bonnie. She found joy in everything and had an incredible knack for making things fun. Trips to her house were filled with adventure and my brother and I never lacked for something to do. On more than one occassion, she'd pack us some snacks and we'd play for hours on this giant log outside her house. We'd pretend that it was our fort, a rocket ship or some other creative thing that only a child's imagination can dream up. Other times we'd ride bikes, go on nature walks, have frog races, fly airplanes or try on the gazillion clothes she made for us.

My Aunt Bonnie was extremely talented -- both artistically and creatively. Each year she'd come up with the most amazing gifts -- usually something she'd made from a family heirloom. From stuffed rabbits to Pringle can Santa's -- my Aunt Bonnie had a way of making the holidays extra special. Today, as I decorate for each holiday, I find a treasure from her to display.

In addition to painting, my Aunt Bonnie could knit like nobody's business. Some of my fondest memories are of watching her work with the needles -- creating something wonderful from a simple ball of yarn. During one visit, she made outfits for my favorite teddy bear and my brother's favorite monkey. She whipped them up like they were nothing and we were in awe! Thinking of her attending her "Happy Hookers" meetings (a knitting pun she came up with) still brings a smile to my face.

My brother and I show off the clothes Aunt Bonnie
made for our favorite stuffed animals.

Visiting my Aunt Bonnie's cabin home in Greely Hill was always special. She lived there for many years with my Grandma Dorothy and my Uncle Clay, who both required full-time care due to failing health. In addition to being a care giver for my grandmother and uncle, my Aunt Bonnie was constantly doing service for the rest of her family, her community and her friends. I will always remember her as a woman of faith, who made it a point to pray daily for those in need.

Although we lived on opposite coasts, my Aunt Bonnie never felt far away. She regularly sent letters, called to say hello and made a point of being involved in my family's life. She was great at documenting our family history and made sure that each of us received treasured heirlooms from the family members who went before us.

My Aunt Bonnie was truly a remarkable woman and loved by everyone who knew her. While she will be missed dearly by those she left behind, I firmly believe that she continues to do her good works in Heaven.

I love you, Aunt Bonnie. Thank you for everything. You will always hold a special place in my heart.