My Aunt Margaret...

Do you have family members that you really don't know from Adam? Or Eve? I have very little knowledge of my father's side of the family. I don't really know why.

Growing up, we were quite close to my mother's side of the family and I can only remember two visits to anyone in my dad's family. One to Tofino, B.C. to visit my dad's sister and one to my dad's other sister Margaret's in Glaslyn, Saskatchewan. Margaret was married to Leslie...Leslie was loud, colorful and tickled me too much. I hate tickling and Leslie is responsible for that. Leslie used to bring us farm cream...I loved farm cream. And once he brought us baby chicks to see and pet.

Margaret. Margaret never said much. Margaret had thinning hair, was kinda butchy but wore tent dresses, didn't shave her legs and wore rubber boots with any outfit. Margaret had this pervasive aura of sadness around her...like she really died years before and was coincidentally still standing. I liked Margaret. Margaret, despite her challenges had the kindest eyes.

I always thought Margaret was a lesbian. She had that kind of energy. A lesbian, with three children and a husband she likely felt obligated to sleep with. I wondered if that was the root of her unhappiness.

My parents sent me a picture of my father's whole family. After spotting my father, I looked immediately for Margaret. I found her. She was standing there looking quite beautiful and I found myself wondering when she stopped feeling beautiful.

My father called me yesterday and asked me if I remembered my aunt Margaret. I said, "Of course, Dad!" He told me she was in intensive care in a Saskatoon Hospital. She is dying. I felt really sad, wondering if the woman ever had fun. If she ever crushed on anyone. If she ever just sat still and basked in the beauty of a sunset. Did she ever feel close to God in an orgasm with someone she didn't want to let go of, afterwards?

I think of Margaret and I think about passion. And what happens to people who don't live life with passion. They wither and die, while standing.

So, Margaret...I raise my glass to you and I send you my sincere thanks for your message. I hope you will soon be in a place with color, love...and passion. It's your turn.

*R.I.P Aunt Margaret who passed on this morning at 5:30 a.m. May there be no weeds in your new Garden.