Aunt Cora is a very special lady to all of us. We got to see her more often than our other relatives since she lived in the same state. I could hear the tears in my mom's voice as she told me that Aunt Cora had cancer. I always knew that losing Aunt Cora would be very hard on Mom. Mom mentioned to me one day that she had been wanting to write Aunt Cora a poem before... well, you know... but she was having problems getting the words right. So, here is my attempt at looking through my mom's eyes as she is faced with losing someone very near and dear to her heart.

Dedicated to Mom and Aunt Cora

I’ve loved you for so long
And never lived without you
So how can God tell me
That’s what I must do

You were Daddy’s baby sister
I was Bub Bub’s little girl
We put the two together
“Daddy Bub Bub” was our world

Born just six months apart
We shared my mother’s breast
That closeness built a friendship
Which has surely passed the test

The test of many years
Of husbands and rebellious kids
Your love and hugs gave support
Without which I could not live

We’ve laughed and cried by turn
Sharing joys along with sorrows
Always looking forward
To what would come tomorrow

Looking back upon our life
Triggers a bittersweet sting
I thank God for your presence
And for every little thing

Everything that did occur
Throughout our many years
The burdens and the pleasures
The giggles and the tears

God led me to your door
When I was twenty-three
That’s where I met the man
Who’s still in love with me

I can’t explain the love I have
Sheltered in my heart
But there you do reside
Letting you go will be so hard

Thinking of you leaving
Brings tears into my eyes
But I know that you are headed
For the land of cloudless skies

Sometimes I find myself
Wishing that I could go with you
I’m longing for the day
That I get my Heavenly view

Please say hello to loved ones
Who have journeyed on before
And promise you will meet me
Over on that golden shore