elinor

i went to a funeral last week for my great aunt.  she was someone i didn't know well, but someone i knew enough.  knew enough to picture her mannerisms.  to remember her ways.  and her voice.  aunt elinor's many grandchildren spoke of how she made them feel completely unique.  how her love felt like it was made for each of them.  they indicated, to those who didn't know, how difficult her life had been.  married to a drinking man.  that her difficulties never resulted in outward anger or impatience, showed in the complete adoration of her family.  she always spoke kindly.  she was always content.  she came from a place of happiness, and was never interested in finding it elsewhere.  as i drove into town last night, her bright orange poppies welcomed me home.  i thought to myself how very poignant her lessons are to us now.  how one woman may lead many others by her pure examples.  how her love for her children and grandchildren seemed to be handpicked for my own self-doubting heart.  love.  patience.  kind words.  all those virtues starting from where we are.  right in our big hearts.  helping us to grow and cause to flourish the lives of our babies. using what we have inside to build a legacy of good men and women.