It’s with a heavy heart our family says good-bye to one of our family members. My Aunty Arlene was an amazing lady, she was my Mom’s sister and will be missed not only by family but by many friends. Growing up as a large family we all went camping to Allouette Lake, baseball games in the Summer and of course the Family BBQ. Aunty Arlene was always someone you watched in the lip syncs, her and Mom always had a special number and had everyone in stitches. Her facial expressions were classic and we always used to make fun because she never learnt the words of the songs, but it didn’t matter, she rocked out every number. As soon as he could walk her grandson {and our amazing cousin} Carmine was right up on stage in the numbers with his Granny and Mom Karena. We recently started an Easter brunch with a bocci tournament, as family and friends we have always found a way to celebrate together.
We also have a very, ghost friendly family. The Jones’s lived in a house in East Van and well it was very haunted! I loved listening to stories of what happened in the house and when we had family gatherings I loved to hear all of the past stories and think of who was in the room with us {probably laughing}. We’ve all agreed not to haunt each other but as we’ve always said, please come and visit after you have left this world {and bring the lotto numbers too!} I never really put much thought into where we go after we pass away because I know we will all meet up with other family members that have gone before us. On days I am photographing weddings, I always ask my Granny and Grandma the day before for some clouds or sunshine. Knock on wood, in 6 years I have a fantastic record with the weather. I know Aunty Arlene has joined the ladies to help me out in the future. They are indeed my guardian angels who I talk to every night.
Because this was such a shock to all of us, it has really made me look at my life. I love my business and what I have created for myself, but I know that I constantly pass up time with friends and family because I’m busy working. I am always on my computer working or behind a camera. I really want to create better memories with both friends and family and there’s no time like today. My advice to anyone is to stop being busy and make memories with all that you love. {Oh and I’ll always have a camera to catch those memories!} We never know what tomorrow will bring so I really have to start enjoying my life again.
My heart has been hurting since last Wednesday when I first heard the news from my sister. As a family we spent the day together, in silence, talking, laughing and crying. Keeping busy is a good thing and my friends have said that our heavy hearts will lift again and it will get easier day by day. To my family, we have been so lucky to have had this amazing, beautiful, fabulous woman grace our lives. To my friends who have contacted me, THANK YOU. Hugs next time I see you all.
.jpg "Memories of Aunty Arlene")
Here are just a few of my fave photos of Aunty Arlene and our family. xox
