Aunt Helen

My Aunt Helen passed away from liver cancer on Friday, January 8 around 1:00 a.m.. About a week previously, unexpected news from the doctor came that she had only a few weeks to live. Within days, she was gone.

Helen Evagene Jacobson
October 18, 1938-January 8, 2010
Interment: National Veterans Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona

Picture taken last fall.
She loved quilting. Last year she made and donated over 100 quilts.

I wasn't able to visit my aunt before she passed, so I'd written her a little note. It never got to her while she was coherent and alive. But for remembrance sake, here it is:

Dear Aunt Helen,

I'm sorry I'm not able to visit you in person, but I wanted to let you know how much I love you and am thankful to have you as a part of my life.

You've always held a dear spot in my heart, and I've considered you my favorite aunt. (Shhh. Don't tell Aunt Faye. She'll be jealous.) Ever since I was young I looked forward your visits. I thought you were beautiful! Terry was so fun, and I loved playing with your cute dog.

Memories with you always include lots of laughter and love. Bringing Amber and me make-up samples and dolls you'd made, or helping us make a quilt may have seemed like small deeds to you. But to me they meant so much! As a pre-teen, I don't think anything could be more fun to play with than make-up!

You've increased my interest in crafts and sewing. I remember visiting you in Washington, and you helped Amber start a quilt. You took such care to help us pick out the fabric, and you seemed so patient as we made mistake after mistake after mistake while cutting the pieces.

I've felt like you've taken a genuine interest in me, and care about what's going on in my life. I've looked to you many times as an example. You are kind and loving, strong and determined, you've endured so much. I know you've faced more than your share of challenges, yet through it all you've kept a positive attitude. I only hope that when trials come my way, I can face them with the graciousness that you have shown.

You're in my thoughts and prayers always. I love you!

Love,
Erin