This morning finds me writing on the fly. We’re heading to a family funeral, today, to celebrate a life well-lived.
Kevin’s (our) Aunt Alta Ruby, was quite a woman, very fond of family gatherings and reunions of all kinds. I smile, thinking of how pleased she must be that she has managed to facilitate one more, even from beyond the grave.
I’ve always loved Aunt Alta. She represented everything good about home and family, loved to cook (and was a kitchen rock star), relished music and singing, and her faith was centric to her existence. The undisputed “Queen of the Ruby’s,” she ruled with a big heart and soft shoulder.
When I first met her, at the ripe old age of 18, she pulled me aside, and said (glancing at her ‘fro-headed nephew beyond), “He’s ornery, but sweet, and good to his mother. I like you. You’re good for him, so be good TO him.” Then she winked at me, and moved on.
I’ve never forgotten that. Just because we’re considered good FOR someone, doesn’t mean we don’t still have the responsibility to be good to them. She lived that out, herself, in her decades-long marriage, and, I’m sure, has picked it back up with zeal, in her recent reunion with her beloved Carl.
You’ve made a lasting impression on all of us, Aunt Alta. Your legacy lives on in all our hearts, as we rise up, together, and call you blessed. You truly are the Queen of the Ruby’s, and really, like the woman in Proverbs, of even greater worth.
“A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 NIV
“Her children arise and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28 NIV