Saturday, May 4, 2019
My Aunt Kay (AnntieKay) will always be a mythical and mysterious life force. She was quick to temper, but quicker to laughter. She was one of many strong willed women in our genetic lines. She loved visiting with anyone and everyone. She would walk home on her own after church so she could stay and visit. I remember being amazed when I was young, at finding out her first name was Karen. We had an anntie K and an uncle B, so I thought they had letters instead of full first names...funny how kid's brains work! She was devoted and meticulous. She had savant-like abilities to recall decades of Minnesota Twins statistics with astounding speed and accuracy. google's got nothin' on Kay! She was the oral family historian for generations of birthdays as well. No one needed a calendar, just ask Kay. She could put together thousands of tiny puzzle pieces to create beautiful images in spite of her waning eyesite! You will never have a cleaner ear of corn or chicken if Kay was doing the shucking or plucking! You would never find a cleaner sidewalk after Kay was done sweeping, or a half-done raking job with her attention to detail. I thought she was the cool adult when I was little, because she would ride her bike around town with us kids. As a small child, she was my first exposure to seeing the experience of life with a disability. Food on her plate was at very specific spots: 12 and 6 o'clock, but NEVER, ever touching. Afternoon coffee with the adults is one of my fondest memories that is becoming a lost art. I learned from her, to appreciate the beauty of people with special needs and challenges, no matter the situation or degree. She could be simple and profound in the same moment. I am thankful and grateful for having her special brand of "Kay" in my life and in our family. I wish her beautiful soul safe passage in her continuing journey home. Love to all of our family and friends who gather to celebrate this unique, special soul.
