Memories of a Sweet Aunt

Thursday afternoon I received a phone call from my sister, Joanne, telling me that our Aunt Dorothy had died the afternoon before and that the graveside service would be on Friday at noon. I made quick arrangements and was able to take off work Friday so that we could be there for the service.

Dorothy had been in an alzheimer's care unit of a nursing home for several years. She had long ago lost the memory of the life she knew and lived. This week she reached the point that so many with that disease reach, when the body 'forgets' to do what it is supposed to do to maintain life and she just slipped right out of here and into the presence of the Lord.

For most of my younger years Dorothy and her husband, Melvin (died in 2000) lived in Muskogee where Dorothy taught young children at the First Baptist Church. In a blog last year I told you of meeting a lady who was one of her best friends and co-teachers who told me much more about those years of teaching Sunday School.

Dorothy and Melvin were probably two of the kindest, most laid-back people I've ever known. I never saw them excited or nervous or angry -- just always a sweet, kind spirit, a reflection of her Saviour who lived actively in her and whom she trusted as her Lord. About the only time I ever saw her respond quickly to something said was when my Dad cracked one of those dry Russell jokes at her and she said, "Well, Wilson...!"

I was never a real active letter writer (long before email, of course) but I did write her a letter one time. A few years later when I visited in her home in Muskogee I saw that letter -- framed and hung on the wall.

My family continues to get smaller and smaller as my aunts and uncles head home to Heaven. I'm thankful for them and for good memories we have. And today I'm especially thankful for my Aunt Dorothy Kessinger, resident of Heaven today.