My aunt Janis passed away while we were at the beach this year. While she had her share of health problems, it still came as a shock. We got word she was taken to intensive care, and Mom was looking into flights to cut the beach trip short to go down to Texas, but but she didn't last the night. At least we were together as family to support each other, Noa even had a long long talk with Mom Mom about grief.
Janis was the middle of three sisters that always fit into those roles – mom the super accomplished firstborn, Duronda the fun outgoing youngest, and Janis the quiet, kind, artistic middle child. Janis was the one Pop Pop said reminded him most of Mom Mom, not because of her personality or resemblance, but because of the way she made him a better person.
I flew down to Austin to be with family for Janis' memorial service. It was a quick trip, flying in Friday morning with just enough time to stop by campus to walk by the Econ department and grab some breakfast tacos before going to the service at 11am. Afterwards, Mom and I went back to stay with Joe & Holly at their new house in New Braunfels. Janis had moved in with them and it was really wonderful to hear about how excited Janis was about the new house and living with Joe & Holly. We're all glad they had that time together.
The memorial itself was lovely. It was good to see Duronda & Don, catch up with Carrie, and spend some time with Joe & Holly. Don spoke first at the service, then Mom shared some wonderful memories of her sister. She even used a quote from Noa to close her eulogy for Janis – "She had a great life and that reminds of the beautiful life ahead of us."
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