Condolence: We will miss you GGK (Great Grandma Kae).

Condolence: ‘Once upon an Auntie’

Some memories are more than just memories – they become a part of who we are and who we have become. They set so deep into our being that they shine like beacons from across the swirling waters of passing time. My Aunt Kae was the most important woman of her generation in my life, along with her big sister Helen – my Mom. Perhaps my earliest memory of my Aunt Kae is from somewhere around 1953 or ’54 - me sitting on the floor at her knee as she knitted some sweater or scarf, feeling the warmth and radiance of her like some glowing sun brought down to Earth and placed in a rocking chair in Buckingham, Quebec. Even to this day I can still hear the soft clack, clack, clacking of those knitting needles, hushing my thoughts like some lullaby, as I shut my eyes and drifted off into the pure embrace of her presence and her nurture. She would be humming away at some sweet tune or other, and it would have been one of my first experiences of pure, unfettered bliss. Whenever I am around anybody knitting to this day, I still travel back to that precious space, and realize how deeply my Aunt Kae is grown into my very marrow-bone.
In the last 63 and a half years, there has never been a time when Kae Evans wasn’t in my life – until yesterday. And suddenly I am feeling kind of dizzy and confused, like my air got choked off, or I got a stiff whack in the head with a two-by-four. How can it be that she is gone? I thought she would be around forever – but then I suppose I never really thought at all. 91 years is plenty long enough for any person to greet the day, and Kathleen decided that it was time enough to cut the cord and step out into the light. Cheryl and Lynda saw well enough how she smiled as the angel’s wings sprouted from her shoulder blades and she lifted off into the wild blue beyond. She had done all that she could do in this world, raised her girls to womanhood, and now it was time to check back in with her Rocky, and take up once again the loving bond of yesteryear.
And now we are bereft of her laughter and her grace and her humour and her mirth and that soaring, rapturous voice that would rise up in song enough to bring grown men to tears, rising up in glory to that high ‘F’ in Amazing Grace, or some other ethereal song of praise. It’s no wonder they clamoured after her to bestow such blessings in churches and halls from hither to yon. When Kae sang, even the angels stopped to listen. If ever spirit was made manifest, it was at such times as Kae Evans chose to open her heart in that astonishing, beautiful voice of hers. The word ‘sing’ was invented just for her.
But now she has left us behind on the shore, us waving forlornly as she sets sail across that rolling sea to the far horizon and beyond. When she gets to where she is going, you can be sure that there will be hot tea, laughter, good cheer, and sweet, sweet music. She and Helen and Grammy Emma will once again be doubled over in helpless foolery, laughing and weeping with some silly delight, barely daring to look at one another for fear of starting all the giggling and howling all over again, while Grampy Leslie shakes his head in loving dismay. And Roscoe will take up his bride again and all will be right in the heavens. A new star will be twinkling in the night sky – and all of us who remain behind will see that every journey has a purpose – and the winding trail is forever rising up to carry someone over the next hill, far, far from the trials and anguish of this busy world.
So we must temper our sadness with the knowledge that a truly fine person has completed her allotted cycle on this planet and moved on to the great beyond, the sweet and promised land. And the sadness merely masks the joy that comes from a life so fully spent. We let go the physical person, but live on with her spirit with each Spring blossom, and with every gaze out over the sparkling waters. Nothing is left undone, and no song is left unsung. Bye, bye Aunt Kae. Thank you for the loving. I’ll see you in my dreams – clack, clack, clacking all the while.

Love, Phil

Condolence: For Lynda and Cheryl, our sincerest condolences in the loss of Kae, your wonderful mother. She was warm, gracious, cheerful and kind. We are happy we came to know her. Our thoughts are with you.

Condolence: Our deepest condolences to the family, Cheryl and Lynda, and our prayers for comfort and strength during this difficult time. We're thankful to the good Lord for giving your mom a long life filled with love, and for a wonderful celebration as He welcomes her Home. Hugs and love to you both. Theresa & Roland.