Every year I'm haunted by December 7th. Blame it on my intensely sentimental nature.
My mother Marie had a sister named Ann (Mom was two years older). Ann was my cousin Nancy's mother (Nancy lives near me here in Tennessee).
Marie and Ann were extremely close their entire lives and, in many ways, they were very much alike.
Both sisters were from New Jersey. When my parents moved to California, Ann and my Mom were separated by 3,000 miles, but they still remained in very close contact: letters, phone calls. visits when they could.
Between them they generated a never-ending source of strength and support - sharing the good times, coping with the bad.
To me, it seems much more than a coincidence that they both died on the same date: December 7th.
My mother in 2009.
Aunt Ann in 2012.
Ironically they not only passed away on the same date but also at the same age.
I miss them immensely.
Marie (left) and Ann
Marie (left) and Ann
the last photo ever taken of them together (by me) in 1995
That is so odd that they both died on the same day at the same age. They look a lot alie and it was great that they stayed close. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ladies and very elegant.
ReplyDeleteAll I can offer is what a beautiful story and relationship they had. It's a rare thing. And we see were your blond locks come from.
ReplyDeleteTwo beauties, inside and out. This post gives me chills, but like the lyrics of a favorite song, "There will come an answer, let it be."
ReplyDeleteMy mother didn't have a sister, but was extremely close to my father's sis. They passed, not on the same day, but within 24 hours of one another in January 2004. My cousin remarked, "Adele needed her shopping partner by her side."
Truth can be stranger than fiction. That has a touching "ghost" novel written all over it. Two best friends, one dies, the other is "haunted" by her loving friend only to die on the same day at the same age... together they walk out the door into the moonlight... Like one o f those old Black and white movies starring Rex Harrison. (The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.. Great Movie...)
ReplyDeleteLove is a powerful bond and transcends even death. Your mother and aunt were lovely ladies and true kindred spirits to say the least. Together in life. Together in death. Though this is haunting for you - it is a great Christmas story. Love everlasting is never a coincidence. Lessons to be learned! ✨💞🌟🎄🌟💞✨
ReplyDeleteAlthough years apart in age, there is that double take I do when meeting twins. With these beautiful women in your upbringing, I can understand somewhat your strength and confidence. My own mother's sister was a school teacher in Okfuskee County who taught the Guthrie children to read and write. Sometimes an aunt's influence just doesn't end.
ReplyDeleteStunning sisters and I enjoyed seeing their pictures. It is indeed strange that they passed on the same day of the year. I’m glad you’re still in touch with your cousin.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I personally do not believe in coincidence. I believe things happen for a reason whether WE can fully understand it or not. Have you ever read the book, "Reincarnation" by Genevieve Lewis Paulson & Stephen J. Paulson? In it, there is a section which delves into the subject or "twin sous." VERY good book! You might wish to check it out. :)
ReplyDeleteOops - typo! I meant to type Twin SOULS. lol
DeleteFor most people, Dec 7 brings a different remembrance, but yours, Jon, is definitely eerie. I do believe in coincidences and what’s also called serendipity. Your mom and her sister passing away on the same date and same age was predetermined in my opinion and perhaps yours as well. Thanks for sharing the photos of these two lovely ladies in your life.
ReplyDeleteThat is really spooky - not only the same date but the same age. I'm not surprised that you feel strange about December 7th, and I expect you are glad it has gone by for another year. They were such a good looking pair, your mom and her sister.
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