Free at last!

My Aunt Barbara passed away today. I catch myself struggling with my feelings. I am saddened that she has passed and I'm heartbroken that her life was so full of struggles. Yet, there is this part of me that is happy for her because I know that her suffering has ended. She no longer has to face the disadvantages that life continued to hand her. She now is free - free from the everyday struggles of not being able to care for herself, free from the uncertainty of knowing how her mind and body were going to treat her each day and free from no longer knowing or being herself. She's free! When I look at it this way, I can't help but smile. Now I can picture her with a smile on her face and her arms wide open greeting our loved ones that have left us all behind. Aunt Barbara, today God gave you the gift of peace. I can't help but think that that's probably the best gift you've ever received; and as much as we are going to miss you we love you enough to let you go. I've never preferred these words before; however, they've never been more appropriate...Rest in Peace, Aunt Barbara. Rest in Peace.