The day we all thought would never come has finally arrived. This morning the world felt different because you weren't in it. Oxygen was sucked from the universe because you were such a life force. A source of energy and unwavering strength. Years ago cousin T.Ree said you'd outlive all of us, out of pure spite. I think you may have tried. Aunt Gladys was more than the matriarch of our family—she was the honey. The sweet stickiness drew us from all corners to come together to celebrate weddings, cheer on graduates, and kiss babies. She freely gave out hugs and was never afraid to dole out advice. Gladys was someone who was always on your side. Do we love him today? Great, give him here so I can kiss him. Do we need him to be smacked with a cane? So on it. She didn’t hold back the punches—it didn’t matter who you were {or how old}. She had a lifetime’s worth of advice and we were all here for it. Every year that we gathered in Concan, she was determined to make it down to the healing waters of the Frio River. By truck bed or by buggy, she made it down. Her face lit up with a thousand memories every time. Two of our foster loves were able to experience a Hamily Reunion. Gladys squeezed and kissed those cheeks as if she’d known them for years. Now, some would blame her depreciating memory. But, I would argue that Aunt Gladys always knew that there were binders beyond DNA strands. That family was just a little bit more. That family is also a choice. Something that requires effort, fortitude, forgiveness, humbleness, a healthy dose of grace, and never-ending stories. For one glorious summer, those babies knew the love of Great Aunt Gladys. That may be the best gift I could have given them. Although those of us left here on earth are still reeling from a bottomless loss, I can only imagine the receiving line. I think Deb ran to the front of the line talking a million miles a minute, trying to catch her mom up on everything. I think Mary hung back just laughing at her sister. Cousin Jenny just said, “Hey, you gotta see this!” All of her brothers were there, welcoming their baby sister. And Uncle George. I can see his broad smile, opening his arms wide, finally reunited with his bride. I imagine the line was long, and everyone received a hug and a hearty, “God Luv It!” We aren’t quite sure yet how to navigate this world without you. We will feel the loss of Gladys for generations. However, we will keep gathering. We will still be a Hamily. The wheels you set in motion long ago have now been passed down and we will make sure everyone knows that we came to Texas because of horses. You left some mighty shoes to fill, and it might just take all of us working together to be able to do it. With the help of Olen, Roy Lee, David Clarence, Coleman, and Warren, you wove together a tapestry that can never be undone. Well done, Gladys Leona. Well done. xoxo
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AuthorWriting is really my outlet, so you'll mostly see my prose on here. But William might occasionally make a guest appearance. Archives
May 2021
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