Heaven's New Angel

I have talked quite a bit recently on this little space of mine about the most exciting thing to happen to my family in a long time...and don't get me wrong, I will still continue to keep you in the loop about this tiny babe of mine, but today I wanted to switch gears. I wanted to take the time to dedicate this post to a very special lady. My Dad's youngest sister, my Aunt Rikki. 

After 25+ years of battling the devil of a disease known as anorexia, heaven gained a new angel yesterday. Even though she hadn't been the same charismatic, full of life person I knew her to be for the last five years of her life, she was one of the strongest women I know. 

It may sound strange or seem weird that a woman who was fighting a very "selfish" disease could be known to me as strong, but she was. She would do anything for anyone. She would drop what she was doing to lend a helping hand or to be a shoulder to cry on, or to cheer you on. 

I made her an Aunt at the young age of 14, and she took that title seriously. She cared for me as if I were her own. I remember having slumber parties at her house before she was married, being so proud to stand up for her as a Junior Bridesmaid at her wedding, and to go on lots of trips with her and my uncle. She helped me plan our wedding, helped me decorate our house when we moved in two years ago, and would take me and Madden shopping whenever she came to town. I was her "Punky" and she was my idol. 

Although I didn't agree with her lifestyle, I knew she couldn't help the disease that had taken over her body. She had lost control and being the strong willed woman that she was, she would not accept help. Do I wish we would have done more? Yes, of course I do. But we can't turn back the clock. And I don't want to focus on the negatives. I just wanted to remember her for all the good times she brought to my life. 

I loved her more than she will ever know. She will be missed beyond measure, but I know that she isn't suffering anymore. Instead she is free from the chains of that awful disease and is wrapped in the arms of our Father, and living in joy and peace for eternity. 

I love you, Rikki. You are gone from this earth, but never from my heart...

Until next time...