One More Day

I’m an avid reader and lover of books. Some books, after reading the last page, cause me to say, “Wow that was a great book.” The book is closed with no further thought. Others, however, stay with me awhile after reaching the ending. I stop to reflect on what was learned or gained from reading that particular book. I’ll give you an example.

Mitch Albom wrote the book. For One More Day, the story of man named Chick whom lost his mother eight years prior, and was haunted by guilt and regret from not spending time with her on the day she died. In the book, Chick is given the opportunity to spend one more day with his beloved mother, and how this gift of time changed his life.

The title of this book caused me to reflect and ask myself the question: If it were possible to spend one more day with someone I lost through death, whom would I choose? I’ve lost many loved ones through death, and I love them all dearly but the answer to this question came easy and quickly; my aunt Christina. She was my mother’s sister, the youngest of eight children and a delight to be around. Family and friends were always welcome in her home, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. If you were feeling a bit down; all you needed a short visit with Christina, and you left her house feeling great for days. 

Christina passed away several years ago at the tender age of 59, after a 12-year battle with cancer. She is greatly missed but never forgotten. Memories of her bring joy and laughter. She was always there for me, listened patiently to my problems, and showed genuine interest in whatever was going on in my life. God blessed me with a special aunt and I am forever grateful for having her in my life. Her legacy will stay with me a lifetime. I remember her telling me and other nieces, “As a wife and mother, you’ll need to be always forgiving.” and her advice has proven true in our own lives. Something else that stands out about her, was how she enjoyed life throughout the years she battled cancer. I recall her telling other cancer patients, “Don’t let you illness take over your life. If you’re having a good day, take advantage of it and do the things you enjoy.” 

Aunt Christina loved to sing and was an excellent musician, playing guitar and mandolin with the best of them. She volunteered her time to sing and play for many functions. You didn’t have to ask her twice to go up on stage and sing a song. She simply loved to entertain. At her wake, it was said, “If there’s music in heaven, Christina will be in the very front row.” Many nodded their heads in agreement. Nothing here on the earth will compare to hearing the heavenly hosts of angels and saints joining voices together to worship our Lord and Savior.  

I like to think that some of my aunt’s wit and wisdom has rubbed off on me. People seem to enjoy my sense of humor and have remarked on my ability to find a bargain and save money. I had a great teacher. I watched my aunt over the years run her household on a tight shoestring budget. Her home did not have a lot of excess stuff either. She only kept what was needed and used; the rest she gave away, which makes me realize that I can still learn from her even though she is no longer with me.

I’m so grateful that I was among her immediate family on the day she died. My aunt was Catholic and her family called in a priest to pray and give her last rites as was their custom. Father Jennings came out of her room smiling, and said, “She didn’t want me to pray over her, she asked me to pray for all of you.” Isn’t that remarkable, even on her deathbed she was thinking of others over herself?

Yes, it would be wonderful to spend one more day with her. Not because of guilt or regret but simply because I loved her and always will. I would tell her again how much she meant to me and how I valued our relationship. And I know for certain that we would sing a few songs and play guitar together, now that I play too. Not as good as her, but she would be thrilled that I taught myself to play. And we would share much laughter and have merry hearts, which the Bible likens to good medicine.   

Aunt Christian holds a special place in my heart and always will. Given the opportunity, whom would you choose to spend one more day with? 

Anne-Marie Madore is the author of, God Said, “I WILL” Promise Book. She also writes a weekly post on her God Inspired Blog found on anne-mariemadore.ca