Remembering Lydia

A few blogs back, I mentioned visiting Aunt Lydia on our vacation.  It's been a few weeks and life has given us a sad turn.  Lydia passed away a few days ago of pancreatic cancer.
I was shocked when I heard the sad news of her prognosis in late June, yet not surprised when I was told that Lydia had accepted her condition with grace and dignity.  These attributes are what defined her.  I prayed that she would not suffer, and prayed for those who loved her-- her husband, her son, and all of her siblings and extended family members.  I began to mourn myself.  You see, although this lady was the aunt of my husband, she was my aunt and friend, as well.
I met Lydia when I married my husband.  She struck me as a pretty and smart lady.  She smiled easily, and was friendly.  I learned that she was an accomplished seamstress, which fascinated me since I have had an interest in sewing since I was in junior high school.  She and her husband owned a car body shop, and once, I was able to see her sporting around in a classic 1958 blue and white Ford Galaxy.  I remember seeing her drive away on a bright Sunday afternoon from the place where we were visiting and thinking, 'Now there's a cool pair.'  ( Lydia reminded me of an Audrey Hepburn type complete with sunglasses and scarf.)
Later in life, Lydia would become an accomplished writer.  The way she told me, her father had asked his children to please write the history of their family.  Lydia responded to the request with her book, Azares del Destino (meaning Hazards of Destiny) which detailed her parents' struggles through the Depression, exodus to Mexico, and finally immigrating to the United States.
The last time we saw her, she was excitedly sharing her novel she was writing.  I read through her first two chapters and candidly told her that it was very good.  Lydia had a talent for writing without a lot of fluff; capturing the reader's attention immediately, and keeping the attention as her story continued to unfold.  This is a rare talent; yet Lydia, like everything else she did, managed to master it.
I will miss Lydia.  There's nobody else in my life whom I can compare her with.  She was one who I felt freedom to share my writings with.  I enjoyed getting her feedback, which I'm touched to say came as recently as two weeks before her death.  I had sent her a copy of my blog regarding my dad.  This is what she wrote back to me~

"Dear Gracie,                6/27/12
I really enjoyed your Dad's story.
Sounds like he was a great man and loved his kids a lot.
What a coincidence!  In my home we all called my father 'Apa'-- everyone of us kids.
Thank you.
I'm sending you 'Cindy's Dress' story I promised you when we were at your house.  Hope you enjoy it.
Love,
Lydia

(I really did enjoy her writing piece, and wrote her back to tell her.  I hope that she was able to read my brief letter, as I know that she was very weak when she received it.)