After reading the loving life story of Aunt Elsa, I realized I was deprived of knowing an amazing lady. As a child, we moved for my Dad’s (Emil O. Nilsson) job promotions and at around 12 years of age, the families lost touch. I remember Aunt Elsa’s dark dark thick shoulder-length hair, fine skin, and beautiful smile. She always kept the sweet house immaculate and was proud of it.
She had an uncanny knack for knowing when I was in the baby chicks’ pen (with the upside-down Tom Terrific funnel to keep them warm). Yes, she always came and got me, told me not to do it again, and whenever we visited, it happened again.
From her obituary, I learned she was only 18 when I was born. I would like to think we could have been good friends, with so much we had in common. Skating, for example, my dad made, tended and skated with me every year in our back yard on the rink. The love of cats, the adventurous nature we have, loving her church, proud of her Swedish heritage, and the love for her family and friends.
I remember sitting looking at the bubble Christmas tree lights with my GRAMPA as he taught me Swedish. Words that are long gone. I have a row of bubble lights on my tree each year and a bubble night light. Grampa was the only one able to eat peas sliding down his knife. Made me giggle.
And when Aunt Elsa married Uncle Bob, love was in the air. As a young girl, that was a dream for my future. It came true with an awesome man. I loved Uncle Bob and his silliness and teasing ways. Stephen and Scott, I know from what I have learned, grew up in such an awesome household with these great people. How blessed they have been.
Just a few months ago, at 72, I went ziplining across the river connecting Alabama and Georgia. I feel Aunt Elsa, if physically able, would have been up for this fun challenge. As it is said, she liked to try new things.
We are both, I feel, strong Swedish warriors, digging in and handling the situations life presented, good and bad. We love our family and want the best for them. Pickled herring, salmon, cats, ballroom dancing (yes as a teen, I took classes), flowers, and try to help someone when I can. Art is a favorite pasttime of mine, also. So, is it in the blood?
Stephen and Scott are my only blood cousins. We have just recently connected and I’m already blessed by their kindness and acceptance. They are rapidly becoming very special to me. Though they will miss this wonderful lady, she has left them with a lifetime of love and memories to always hang on to, especially now.
I hope I can be of some support for them as I just lost my husband and mom within two months of each other in 2021. My dad’s been gone nearly 15 years because of Alzheimer’s. The National Cemetery is about 90 miles away and I visit about once a month to visit my husband and dad. It’s not easy and will always be painful but I will be there to share with Stephen and Scott, any way I can. Prayers for them and friends at this horrific loss.
And as much as the pain and loneliness is here with us, think of all the loved ones that welcomed her into Heaven on December 15th. You two guys have been so blessed and now your mom and dad can watch over you, together again.