It’s been a tough week. I lost a dear cousin to cancer a week ago. It happened so fast, too fast.
My earliest memories of my cousin, Nina, are of a girl with brown pigtails, herding the cows on a farm near Stonewall, Manitoba. Her two dogs dancing around her slim legs; me, a city kid, struggling to keep up.
She grew up, moved to the city, and got a job at Manitoba Telephone, where she was a constant and loyal worker. We continued to see one another over the years, at family dinners, but since there were so many of us, we didn’t get a chance to really get to know one another.
Sunset on Lake Winnipeg
But in the last decade or so, we became much closer. Nina was like an angel to me, visiting my mother over the years, because I ended up living too far away. Sure, I went to see my mother four times a year, and there were daily phone calls, but if it wasn’t for my cousin’s generosity of spirit and time, I don’t know what I would’ve done. She was my eyes and ears, and believe me, when you have a parent in a personal care home, you need and want someone to keep an eye on their care.
And it wasn’t just my mother she looked in on, she was the kind of person who volunteered her time and love to help make this world a better place. She was a Big Sister for a time and she helped in other ways through her volunteering, much I didn’t know about, as she wasn’t one to talk about the gifts of time she gave or to look for compliments.
Hers was a generous life. She kept things simple, but her values centered on family (her nephews and nieces), my daughter (whose godmother she was) and community. She worked hard, and played the same way; an inspiration to us all. She never asked for much; she gave instead.
The sun may have set on her life, but she left a lot of warmth, love, and beautiful memories behind. What more could one ask for at the end of the road?
What a beautiful tribute to your cousin, Diana. I am so sorry for your loss. Take care. Denise
Loved this. Gives such a sense of peace.
I was blessed to have such a wonderful cousin in my life. Thanks for your comment.
The biggest heroes are often unsung. “unsung” I just realized what a poignant word that is. You did not leave your cousin’s life unsung…
It’s true, huh? So many wonderful people leave our lives, “unsung” and because they have not been recognized by the media for their good works, we don’t hear about them. They work quietly amongst us, but their contribution is not any lesser than those who’ve been memoralized through TV or other like avenues.
Your story ignited the spark I needed to start using my blog site. I haven’t written anything for a long time. May I impose on you to critique my first effort when you can. Thanks in advance! http://www.bobsblog.ca
Glad I inspired you. Happy to help out, Bob.
i’m sorry to hear of your loss. I think of it as more, they have gone to a better place to be at peace with somewhere so splendid, we can only wait for our chance to find out when it comes.
my dad passed late October in Asia and I knew he wanted my mom to be cared for. mom has advanced Alzeimers so I had to fly her to a good nursing home with her maid. i stayed over a couple months to take care of everything…i was suddenly jolted into the reality that faces all of us..it’s such a great mystery i almost wanted my dad to give me some insight as to what its like on the other side..
I’m sorry to hear you’ve lost your father. And you are so right, when those we love leave, we are left with many questions, one of them, is where do they go? And what is it like on the other side? We can only hope and pray that they are as you say, in a better place, and at peace.
i dunno why but i believe if they made a good life on earth, they will be happy after. in fact we celebrated his life instead cos u know everyday is special and people who love us only want the best for us…you are a wonderful painter Diana..infact when i read the way you described your cousin and yourself in the post…i saw a beautiful painting….
Thanks again, Kim.
What a beautiful post about someone who clearly was a beautiful person. I’m sorry for your loss, Diana. Sending love…
Thanks, Shari.
Beautiful Tribute Diana,
Auntie Nina spoke highly of you and your family often.
Thanks, Dylan. She was one of a kind. She left a big footprint.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your cousin.
I’m very sorry. You have wonderful memories to hold on to, but I know you’d rather have her.
One of those mysteries of life. The more people I lose, the moe I wonder. She may be gone from this earth, but there’s got to be a “heaven” where good souls go.
Of course there is, Diana. Never fear.
May Nina’s soul Rest In Peace.
Thank you, Nina.