Below is the letter that was read at my Aunt Dorothy’s 100th birthday!
Imagine that!
When she passed away, I started to make her a quilt that I’ve dreamt into for a while. It is a quilt that is in her memory. I have found a new love for Australian flowers and trees during the creation of this quilt.
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Dear Aunt Dorothy,
Kevin and I both wish that we could have celebrated your very special day with you. We send our apologies for not being able to come back to Canada, at this time.
May your day be filled with sunshine, smiles, laughter and love.
To me, you’re 10 decades young. When I look at you, I don’t see someone who is 100 years old. I see a beautiful aunt who inspires me to love every trial and tribulation of life.
You’ve taught me to be kind and to be of service to the people around me. I remember how you used to go out of your way to visit grandma when mum was in Florida just so grandma wasn’t lonely. You’ve taught me that it is the actions of someone that far outweighs anything else in life. It’s what we do for people, how much love we give to them that is most important in life.
You’ve taught me how to love. I would watch you and your relationship with Uncle Roy. The sparkle in your eye and your unwavering love for him was so very noticeable. Again, it was all in your actions. I sometimes wonder if I modelled my search for love off of what you showed me. I see a lot of Uncle Roy in my husband, especially his sense of humour. I am so very grateful to have modelled to me, a beautiful love story.
Lastly but not least, resilience; you are a resilient woman who overcomes all that comes to her by merely approaching life through the eyes of love and forgiveness. You take everything in its stride. What a powerful trait to have, Aunt Dorothy!
I praise you for the love, caring and wisdom you’ve so given generously everyday for 100 years.
Happy 100th birthday!
Love,
Holly, Kevy, Ruby and Whistler xo xo xo xo