"I'll have a hot fudge sundae!"

I'm not one to admit my shortcomings, but I will admit that there are two things that I am horrible at dealing with: death and illness. I must still be young because the thought of being ready to leave this planet has never crossed my mind. I've had discussions with people about if I were ever diagnosed with an illness whether or not I'd seek treatment. My friend, Kate, who is an oncology nurse says that she would skip all treatment and die without all of the pain of treatments. That terrifies me. I know that I would do whatever it took to stick around with my loved ones for even just one more day. It all comes down to preference, I suppose.

I'm also an emotional basket-case when it comes to anything illness or death related hence the tears dropping on my keyboard currently. I am just a weenie about these matters.

My Great Aunt, Phyllis, has decided that it is her time to go be with the Lord. The final preparations are being set for her. She has decided to discontinue blood transfusions that help her blood's oxygen levels. She is going to have her pacemaker stopped. She's fought the good fight and she's ready to go see all of her treasures in Heaven. Phyllis' parents, husband and many dear friend have already been preparing a spot for her to join them up there and she's ready to go.

Phyllis has been an absolute angel in my Mom's life. I do not think she will ever know how grateful my Mom is for all that she's done for her. I know that her good deeds will not go unnoticed when she arrives at her destination.

There will never be an Easter that I don't think about how awesome the egg hunts were at Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Burr's house. We had so much fun at their house as they had a tire swing! Seriously, it was the best.

My Mom went to go see Phyllis today and called her to see if she'd like anything. Phyllis excitedly proclaimed that she'd like a hot fudge sundae with all the fixings from Ivanhoe's (only the best ice cream place on that planet conveniently located in Upland, Indiana). My Mom happily obliged. That's it. That's all she wanted. She's completed her mission here. She has raised wonderful children, been influential in the lives of her grandchildren and has adoring nieces, great nieces, etc.

I'm so proud of the woman that my Aunt Phyllis is. I rarely hear stories about people who are so sure of where they're going that they have no fear, but this is one of them. She knows the Lord and knows that He has a spot for her. While selfishly it is always hard to let go of the ones we love, I wish her the absolute best in her new journey.

I love you, Aunt Phyllis. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for just being you.