My Aunt Charlotte passed away recently. She had lived 100 years here when God finally called her home. She lived her life with so much generosity, kindness, love, laughter, and joy. She touched the hearts and lives of so many people. I have so many wonderful memories of her floating around in my mind. Let me share one of them from my childhood with you now.

It was a hot, summer’s day. I was riding in a car with my Mom, Dad, and two brothers as we drove the 7 hours over mountainous roads to visit Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Rich for a week. The car was hot with no air conditioning and Mom and Dad were arguing over something I can’t remember. The tension filled the air and I felt a knot in my stomach. I hated it when they argued. Suddenly, they quit speaking and we drove the last 3 hours in stressful silence.

That all changed, however, the moment we arrived at Aunt Charlotte’s house. She greeted Mom with a huge hug. Soon Mom and Dad were laughing and smiling with her and Uncle Rich like nothing had happened. I relaxed and played outside while Aunt Charlotte cooked us all a delicious dinner. It was almost as if her very presence was magical, making us all feel better and happier. As the day ended my brother and I were put in the second floor bedroom just above the front porch. We opened the window for a breeze and I could hear the laughter floating up from the porch where Mom, Dad, Aunt Charlotte, and Uncle Rich continued to talk for hours. In time the sweet music of their voices soothed my soul and lulled me to sleep. I remember thinking just before I nodded off: “This is how life should always be!”

My Aunt Charlotte was one of those special souls who made this world better just by being in it. Her wit, wisdom, kindness, giving spirit, loving heart, and happy laughter touched so many lives over the years. Maybe that is why God gave her 100 of them. She will be missed.