Aunt Laila

On her 90th Birthday in 2003

In 2007 meeting Stella Barbara

Today I found out that my great Aunt Laila died. She actually passed away yesterday but when my mother called I was having a Pampered Chef party so I didn't pick up and couldn't call back till today. I'm sorta glad I didn't find out with a group of people sitting there.

We used to visit her fairly often in Canadaigua Lake where she lived. What an adorable town and pretty lake it is. I vividly recall the day in my much younger years that she told me burping was just fine and makes you feel better. She had a fabulously candid way about her that was rather refreshing. I dare say I will never forget the look she had on her face as I walked down the isle on my wedding day...she was so happy for me and especially on the behalf of one special person who couldn't be there that day....my grandmother Ellen Cole. They had been neighbors and dear friends growing up and Ellen had married her brother Max who turned out to be a bit of a cad.....by Laila's own admission. But the bond and love and family that was shared between the Cole's and Ellen transcended Max the Husband and Father and cad and lives on flourishing to this day as my mother visits her Cole cousins around the country and certainly shares grief with them at this loss.

The last time I saw Laila she was frail...never a bulky woman to say the least but frail....she loved Burger King and had a fabulous sense of humor and laugh to go with it. I am so happy I was able to place my beautiful Stella in her arms even for a moment and sorry Jacob didn't know that love and joy. I am quite sure Laila and my wonderful Grandmother, whom Jacob is named after, are giggling away in heaven and talking about the fine catch Brian was for me. Hopefully they have sought out his mom and are all enjoying a good sit and chat. I feel like heaven is filled with wonderful porches with big fans overhead and big pitchers of pink lemonade.......along with streets of gold and all that good stuff. I love you Aunt Laila, thank you for blessing my life and touching my heart. You are missed.