remembering my aunt, my dad’s sister, who passed away on january 13, 2015. aunty iffie, as we used to call her, was one of the loveliest people in our family. she had this smile – warm, constant, irrepressible – it defined the contours of her personality. that’s the only way i can picture her: beaming smile, infinite kindness, not a harsh word to anyone. although my aunt had her share of challenges in life, nothing could put a dampener on her joie de vivre. she was loving, resilient, light-hearted. she tread gently on this earth. it’s not a quality that’s appreciated enough in modern times. the loud and aggressive get more attention. yet it’s exactly what we need most. i will miss her sweet sunniness. “surely we belong to god and to god shall we return.” may you rest in peace dear aunty iffie and may heaven smile on you forever.
