Red Writing Hood -- Epitaph

Polly Agnes Lawrence Dodd

1898-1974

 Beloved wife of Horace

While we had no children of our own,

I pray that I helped usher many nieces

and nephews through happy and sad times.

I smiled through much sadness.

An empty womb, while my sister gave

 birth to seven children who all lived 

long lives.

I never saw her unhappy or angry. She was a sea of calmness in my topsy-turvy world. Few things soothed the way Aunt Agnes’s hands did. (We called her “Auntie" - ainty). Her hands were cool in summer and warm in winter, and felt like silk as she cupped my cheek in her palm. She knew and understood sadness, heartache and pain. She was quietly joyful. 

Oh to have to have talked with her as an adult! To have been able to converse fluidly, with reason and understanding. She was taken too early from me, but I learned so much from her. 

:: to show kindness to all

:: that gentleness is not weakness

:: that there is beauty in the ordinary

:: that love takes many forms, and every opportunity must be seized to the fullest

She was/is my inspiration. To love as Auntie loved me – that is my hope.

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