A Tribute to Bonnie

February 21, 2021

Dear Aunt Bonnie, I’m writing to you because I think you need to rest and that your energy should be spent with Uncle Frank and not me. I’ve gotten to hold your hand and hug your neck twice this week. I’m also a little better in my writings anyway. (Please don’t speak while this is being read it’s time to just listen!) I want to make sure you know what an amazing woman I think you are. How kind, thoughtful, and caring you truly are. It shows though the words that you use and through your daily actions. There are not many people who truly care the way you do – who go out of their way to do things that will simply bring a smile to another’s face without wanting or needing a single thing in return. I think we all wish we acted this way; we may even “think” we act this way, but you actually LIVED this way. What an inspiration. Thank you for loving me and for loving Zain. You and Frank have always been so welcoming, and it did not go unnoticed even if it went unspoken. I just can’t imagine not having you to call. I had not visited with you in person in over a year, yet it did not feel that way. I think it was because of our calls and chats. We always just picked up right where we left off – the markings of a true and good friendship. Please know that while I may not have called regularly, you were not far from my thoughts and mind. What a life you have lived! From all the cruises and travel, your countless friends, to helping raise 30+ nieces and nephews! All while being a helping hand to anyone you laid eyes on. Few could do what you have done and do so with such enthusiasm. What will we do without you? Without your smile, your laugh, your sense of humor, and your kindness. You will be so missed. While we will miss you, we will also be thankful that you are no longer sick and no longer tired. We will also remember and be inspired by the kindness you showed to not only us individually, but to everyone around you. I only hope I can be more like you in this sense. That when days get tough that I’ll remember how you might have handled the situation or even better, I’ll put my needs aside and help someone else. I so love you, Aunt Bonnie. I’m sorry I’m only telling you some of this now. I know you loved me and I know you were proud of me – because you told me so. So please follow directions and don’t speak – just be in peace and know for certain that you had a significant impact on my life and you will never be forgotten. While I know when we get to heaven, we may not know each other as “Aunt Bonnie” and “Rebecca” (although I sure wish that wasn’t the case) I know somehow, we’ll meet and I’ll hug your neck and have a long chat! Love you, Rebecca