The past few months have been much of the same. Avoiding most hugs at all costs and accepting the hugs I normally accept. I hugged Fred (who did buy me flowers) a few times, a coworker's son, and my dad. Yeah, my dad, I'll get to that. Needless to say, I haven't gone out of my way to work on becoming a hugger. Hugging is awkward, but as I get older, so is standing there while everyone else hugs.
There are two events in life that require hugs, weddings and funerals. In a way, both are taking place this weekend. Neither of which is mine.
Nine years ago, my aunt (my dad's sister) was rushed to IU medical center to donate her cancer stricken body to science. Given only days to live, our family rushed to her side to say our final goodbyes. Two days later, she was released from the hospital. She lived 9 fun filled, loving years with cancer attacking a variety of her internal organs. This past Wednesday morning, she passed away. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. A few years ago when I saw Dolly Parton in concert, my aunt Patty was all I could think about. I'm pretty sure she and Dolly would be BFF's. They both have the naturally kind, giving soul.
We've known the end was coming for a few weeks, but none of us are good at showing emotion. When my parents came to town a week or so ago, I gave my dad a hug. He wanted it more than I didn't want to give it. It wasn't bad. It wasn't even awkward. In fact, I might have even enjoyed it.
At this time, there's no showing and no funeral. Instead, we'll celebrate her life while also celebrating the marriage of my cousin (dad's niece) this weekend. It's sad timing for sure, but I know she would have wanted to see my cousin get married, and now she can.
During the weekend of celebrations, memories, and hugs, I'll miss Aunt Patty's hugs the most. She was one that never let me get away without one. She was sick after all (in her words).
