With unquestionable Faith, unrelenting Determination, and selfless Love

I obviously don’t remember this moment because I’m the baby being baptized. Nonetheless I still love the strong emotions I feel from it. Looking at it you may just see a moment in a time, repetitive to tons of other baptismal pictures, it’s probably nothing special. You would be wrong. My Aunt Dean is holding me. The look on her face is the look of someone with tremendous faith; and not the questionable kind that sends many to church as a precaution in case there is a Heaven. No, this woman’s faith was unshakable.

I also see determination; a determination that brought her through some of the hardest moments anyone can imagine with grace and smile on her face. Could you stand under the weight of the only world you know of crumbling around you and your family; and steadily picking up the pieces while still being the rock that holds it together? She didn't imagine it, she just did it.

You wouldn't know it from this picture but she took her role as godmother very seriously. A godmother is traditionally the one who steps up the role as the parents in the absence of the child’s parent(s). This explains why my aunt dean has always been so much more to me than just an aunt. Those summers in Port Arthur with her hold the greatest memories of my young life. In the absence of my parents she was my parent, my protector, and my guardian. No wonder why leaving there was always so very difficult on me. Although I never cried, my eyes were “just sweat’n”.

Finally I see love, a love so flawless and pure. A love she shared freely with family, friends and strangers alike. Through her unending love she could and would without question be who you needed her to be; a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen to your complaints, a vessel for you to empty your anger on, someone to sit on the porch and laugh with, it never mattered to her she was just happy to be there, to be needed.

So many people need her today and I can’t help but think she is with all of us wherever we are. Somewhere in a hospital room she has her hands around you, comforting you, offering you her shoulder. On a porch swing or rocking in a rocking chair near you she sits smiling just enjoying the moments you are remembering. Patting your back as you choke back the tears for her and whispering something comforting and equally confusing in Cajun French in your ear.

With unquestionable Faith, unrelenting Determination, and selfless Love she moves on today, without us. It hurts and I don’t think that hurt ever goes away. Instead it just becomes a reminder of how much we will always love her, we will always need her and how she’s always with us.

I know she will be so excited to be reunited with so many of her loved ones that have passed. Like her mother, Grandma Rose, her brother Uncle Garland, her mother in law Maw Maw Duvail (who will probably as her what took so long) and many, many, more. I am also asking my personal angels to be waiting for her. I ask Mrs. Katherine to walk with her in faith as the journey seems long. I ask Uncle Craig to protect her if she feels weak. I ask Anna and Julia to show her the short cut to the feastivities  And finally I ask Granddaddy to introduce her to kibbie. She may not like it Granddaddy but she will smile and you’ll never know the difference.

I love you Aunt Dean….love sara