Monday, March 9, 2020
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Our dearly departed mother, Mabel's favourite sister was Aunt Rhoda... as a matter of fact, I think Aunt Rhoda was the favourite sister of all of her siblings! Growing up, we too, absolutely loved our Dear Aunt Rhoda and Uncle Dan. Visits to their home were always lots of fun because Aunt Rhoda's four boys, born between 1949 and 1962, and us four girls, born between 1952 and 1957, were able to relate so well... we still do!
After Mom went to be with Jesus (December 24th, 2010), we four "Black" girls and our sister (from a different mother and father), Maxine, adopted Aunt Rhoda as our surrogate mother, making that little woman the mother of four bouncing boys and five goodly girls!
Whenever we called to chat, the first thing Aunt Rhoda would ask is, "So when are you coming to see me?" It was always special when we organized "road trips" to St. Thomas ... we would pick a day that suited our varied schedules (no small feat), then put together a menu with contributions from all five, and arrive on the appointed day with "meals on wheels". We would spend the day enjoying the company, and the smorgasbord of food, always leaving well sated on all fronts at the end of the day... Sometimes our departure would be delayed because Aunt Rhoda would hide a shoe or a purse just to keep us there a little longer. While we searched for the missing item, it was important to keep an eye on her to ensure that she didn't get a hold of something else to hide... LOL!
Our road trips continued even after Aunt Rhoda went to Elgin Manor ... each visit was precious and spirited as Aunt Rhoda's wit did not diminish a whit! Especially enjoyable were her birthday celebrations with our cousins, their spouses and offspring ... the old "meals on wheels" but just on a grander scale with lots more folk to hug and connect with!
Although we will miss her here on earth, it is hard to be sad when we know Aunt Rhoda is in Heaven with Jesus, Uncle Dan, Mom, Uncle Reg, Aunt Marge, Uncle Norman, Aunt Flossie, Aunt Carrie and all the others who have gone on before. She will always be alive in our hearts and memories ... We will love her always !
Ella on behalf of Rhoda, Gladys, Marjorie, Maxine, our spouses and families - March 8th, 2020
