Tribute to my Aunt Esther

So I got the dreaded call this morning that my Aunt Esther had passed away during the evening. She had been having some health issues on and off but had always managed to pull through. Guess it was time that her body finally gave out.

Due to my issue with germs and infection I'm going to be unable to attend the service, so here are my thoughts and remembrances of my God Mother and FAVORITE Aunt (sorry other Aunties).

Aunt Esther:

1. Was a farmer - driving tractors, planting crops, bailing hay, hauling corn

2. Was a harness racer - we used to go to county fairs and watch her race horses on those cute little carts. She looked pretty cool in those racing jerseys.

3. Was a horsewoman - feeding, cleaning stalls, brushing, exercising. She would take us out to the farm when she had to do chores. She would make some kind of "calling" noise at the gate near the trough of water and the horses would always come. I was very impressed at the time.

4. Taught me how to use the hay in the stall as a potty when I really had to go. BUT I must say, I always did something wrong as I walked around with wet pants afterwards. Nary a word from her.

5. Built model airplanes and hung them from her bedroom ceiling.

6. Made toys out of soda pop cans or anything else she had lying around. The helicopter she made with Ross when he was young even had wheels. Ross is still very impressed with that to this day.

7. Always drove a really cool Ford Thunderbird.

8.Had a couple of Pekinese pups. I always thought they were very cute, but I'm not sure Grandma Boyd thought to much of them.

9.Was a very hard worker. It seemed to me she could do almost anything. She was always busy putzing with something.

10. Was the decorator for Christmas (I think). When we were kids, their living room was decorated to the hilt with lites etc. The tables were always very festive but I ALWAYS had to sit at the kids table.

11.At 70 she decided she was too old to drive so she totally gave it up and started tooling around in a golf cart and riding her bicycle.

12. Moved to "the city" and learned how to take the city bus to wherever she wanted to go. How many people do you know that would do that in their 70's?

13. Went to Kaths after having heart surgery to plant annuals at her house. Kath had to practically force her to sit and rest.

14. Never forgot a birthday and always sent a card.

15. Made good morning coffee and always added great conversation.

She was little, she was short but she was strong!!! I will miss her.