Tattered

My great-aunt, Auntie Mickey, passed away this morning. I know most people aren’t close to their great-aunts, but I was to her. She was more of a mother to my mom than my grandmother was and more of a grandma to me than either of my own. I was named after her. Her real name was Marie and that’s my middle name. My oldest nephew was born on her birthday. My second youngest niece was also born on her birthday and was given the middle name Marie. They’re both my godchildren. She used to make this fantastic bean dish called Calico Beans. I need to learn how to make it. We used to take day trips up to her farm. We’d pick up some fried chicken on the way and spend the afternoon with her and my great-uncle, where she’d reminisce about what life was like when she was younger and tell stories about my mom, my siblings, and I. My Auntie Mickey was so woven into the fabric of my life that her passing has left a tattered hole. I miss her so much and because I live over 20 hours away from my hometown, I can’t go to the funeral. I don’t know what to do with myself. Please keep my family, especially my mom, who is feeling like her mother has passed away, in your prayers.