Charlayne Brewer

I always feel like blogs are a spot where everyone is always perfectly happy and nothing ever goes wrong. In the case of my blog I want to use this as a journal/scrapbook, and in order for it to be accurate and what I want it to be there will be some sad posts here and there. That is exactly what this post is a sad moment in my life. On Tuesday morning my mother called me and informed me that my Aunt Charlayne had passed away in the night. My first reaction was complete shock or should I say doubt...is this really true? Can my mother be right? She is so young, is this even possible? How could this happen? Then the worrying started to hit me oh my goodness how are her children copping? How is my uncle Doug? How on earth are you going to tell her grandchildren that grandma is gone? At this point the tears hit...I was not sure if I was feeling the pain of those I love around me or my own. I do know that my aunt Charlayne was a beautiful person inside and out. She was sweet, kind, tender, loving, extremely talented and so fun to be around. She was such a thoughtful person, most the time I was with her she was in a lot of pain, but her thoughts were always about others. She was so thoughtful and was always willing to help out if you needed her. Charlayne's type of spirit and personality was so rare to find. I felt justified in my tears. Why take away someone so young and so precious?

For a week I pondered her passing I felt as though my emotions were a little bit of a roller coaster. I was glad that she went in her sleep next to the love of her life. I was glad she got to see love and kiss on all of her grandchildren. I was thankful for all the tender mercies granted to those loved ones around her...but I was also heartbroken she was gone. I was sad that we had to let go, but most of all I was upset I didn't take more advantage of the times I had to spend just one on one with her. Her funeral was held this past weekend and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to attend. As I was there my thoughts changed. Maybe it was how brave her family was, the spirit that was around them or the words being said, but somehow I thought more clearly. I always thought of funerals as a time to morn the loss of someone, but I finally realized it is more fitting to celebrate their life. Instead of crying about what you lost and your pain your thought should turn to those sweet tender memories you have of them and what they have just gained. I am so thankful for my sweet moments with my aunt. I treasure her sweet spirit, and I am so thankful for her amazing example. I know that because she was in my life it was brightened, and for this I will be forever grateful.