Life at 707

This weekend we made a trip back to FL for Aunt Peggy’s homecoming. It was a very sad occasion, but all the family knew that she was no longer in pain and in a better place. There were a lot of people who came out, she had it seemed just as many friends there as family. It was nice to know that someone as special as she was touched so many people during her short lifetime.

After the service, the family went back to her home and ate and caught up on what was going on with each other. While most of the family was outside, the sisters helped out Debora by cleaning out Aunt Peggy’s closet. This I was amazed by how well this actually went. As most of you know my father passed away last year. While to those outside the immediate family it appeared all went well, there was some drama behind the scenes, before, during and even after the service for my father. It was so nice to see a family get along as well as the Ross family did at this time, there was no fighting over who got what, who did what, etc. Everyone just came together and helped Debora get though something that I am sure would have been painful for her if she had to do it by herself after everyone left.

I don’t know if the sisters knew that at the time or even realize it now, but that is truly a rare occurrence in this day and time. For a family to be as close as they all are, not to say there is not drama now and again, but in the end if you need help there is someone there to lend a hand or a ear. That is truly a blessing.

We have lost another member of our family. Peggy Ross passed away yesterday after a brave battle with cancer. She was a lovely, sweet woman who will be missed, but we all know she is in a better place.

I remember a few years ago standing outside on Aunt Leila’s porch on thanksgiving night and Aunt Peggy was sharing stories of her, my mom in law, and father in law, when they were younger before getting married and having kids. It was nice to hear stories of those you love during times of lives before they became the people you know today. Reminds me that wisdom comes with age and life experience and one is not just born knowing the ways of the world. We should honor those that came before us and try to learn from their mistakes as well as our own.

Before her illness, Aunt Peggy worked with mentally challenged children in Orlando, I always thought that took a special kind of person to have that much patience and love for those who need it most. She also had a cool job working at Disney World helping characters get into costume.

Our family has Debora and Jordan and the rest of the Ross family in our thoughts and prayers.