I think that memories are some of the most precious things that we hold on to. I like to say that I have all my memories stored in their own respective jars on shelves in my mind. Today I want to talk about one of my absolute favorite memories. Somehow, between my mom and me, there are literally only 2 pictures from this day trip that we took, and I can't seem to understand how or why, because I KNOW we took lots of pics. LOL!
This memory takes place in May of 2014 (3 months before her death) when me and my mom were living in Arizona, and involves me, my mom, and my Auntie Frances.
My mom and I used to butt heads alot, and Auntie Frances was always the glue that kept us together. My mom and I each had our own special relationship with her, but we were all really close, and when we got the opportunity to all be together, we just clung to each other. Auntie Frances had COPD, and was sick during her trip, but she kept the severity from us. Looking back now, I think that this trip was her own way of bringing us altogether to say goodbye.
Auntie Frances came out to visit me and mom for a week from May 21-28. Both her and my mom were crashing at my place in my little 1 bedroom apt. Mom lived about 20 min away from me, but her job was less than 2 miles from my apt, so she just stayed with me during that week. Auntie Frances and I cooked meals, and we all cuddled in front of my 1 tv and watched whatever shows Auntie Frances picked! LOL! (This was typical of the 3 of us)
The Saturday after her arrival, my mom left to go to church, and told us that we had to meet her there. Neither Auntie Frances nor I were really interested in going, but mom was the President of the Women's Ministry at the time, and they had something going on, and she wanted our support. So we got dressed, and headed that way. On our way, Auntie Frances saw a sign on the freeway for Los Angeles, and asked how long it would take to get there, and that if it wasn't a long drive, she wanted to go and wanted to go to the beach. My response, "Say no more, we'll wake up early Monday (Memorial Day) and head that way for the day." Mom was slightly hesitant, but got onboard rather quickly.
The ride there was pretty uneventful. I drove, and they rode. TYPICAL!! When we got there, we had no idea what we really wanted to do, but decided that we were going to take one of those super touristy bus rides to see all the famous peoples' houses and hope to see 1 or 2 famous people walking the streets. Mom scheduled it, and we went around the corner to eat at this pretty cool 50s inspired diner while we waited. Auntie Frances had a smile on her face the entire time, she was so excited, which of course, made us excited.
Now, we weren't the only people on this bus, there were 2 more small families that were also on it, but I SWEAR that the driver was an ANGEL placed to drive us on that day. We sat in the first row directly behind him, and it literally felt like he catered this ride just for us. The ride was supposed to last between 90 min to 2 hrs...ours was 4 hrs. Auntie Frances wore oxygen, and needed a little more assistance than the rest of us did, but the driver was so patient and kind, and took such good care of her and us. I literally don't think that Auntie Frances stopped smiling or laughing the entire time we were on that tour. Some of the things he said/did were so cheesy, but you couldn't help but smile, because her excitement was so genuine and real. We got to go up the hill to see the Hollywood sign (the only 2 pictures that we have), and just seeing her look over the mountains, was something that I will never forget.
I don't think I can put into words accurately why this trip meant so much to me. And as I sit here in tears just missing her and thinking about this day, I smile because it happened...and one of the BEST trips (her words) that she ever got to go on not only involved me, but also my mom too. The trip was simple, we actually didn't even get to go to the beach, because it was super packed, but she was so happy. There are times that I wish I would have known how sick she really was, because I would have tried to do so much more with her that day...but I think she knew that, and wanted the trip to be more about just enjoying each other, and not being stressed over doing all the right things.
Auntie Frances was truly my favorite person in the entire world...and I miss her every single day, but I am thankful for this memory in my many jars that I get to enjoy.
I love you always Auntie Frances!
Lot's of Love,
Rebekah
😥😘❤
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