Ode to Aunt Odie

My (Missy's) great aunt passed away December 26th. We called her Aunt Odie (her real name was Leola). She was a regular presence in my life growing up. She didn't have kids but my mom spent a lot of time with her: visiting with her, helping her, caring for her. Our hearts are heavy because of this loss. Even though Aunt Odie had slipped into a coma, I'm thankful that my mom, my sister and I got the chance to spend time with her just hours before she passed away. That's really remarkable when you consider I'm only in Kingsport once or twice a year and my sister lives 6 hours away. Aunt Odie was a wise, strong woman. We will miss her greatly.

My sister is really sad that she won't be here for the funeral tomorrow. However, she's doing something that Aunt Odie would definitely approve of: she's leaving today for Thailand for a 3 week trip. Aunt Odie gave Weedy a "great commissioning" before she left to live overseas in 2007. We pray for Weedy to have safe travels and a productive trip.