Today is in honor of September 11th. Do you remember where you were on September 11th?
I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I was working at Mia’s Christmas Shop in Ocean City, NJ. We had just opened when I was called into the office by Charlie, the owner, who had the television on showing the attacks. Charlie immediately started to collect money for those whose families and lives would be changed as a result of this horrific event. I got to share the events of the morning with many people who were on vacation and CLUELESS about what was happening on that day. Those days were filled with words like: Hero, Compassion, Love, Kindness, and Bravery.
In 2011, September 11th took on a new meaning in our family. Heaven gained another Weston angel – Edythe, my aunt, my friend and my mom’s middle sister. Growing up, I Edythe (and Elsie) were my babysitters. As the years went on, they were a BIG part of my support system. Edythe (along with the rest of my family) helped to raise Belinda. Lives changed – the world moved a little faster and we lost touch with the exception of holidays.
In July, 2010, a call from a family friend caught me by surprise. Edythe had gone to the ER for what she thought was pneumonia only to find out that she had cancer. As tough as it was to take those first steps, stuff the years of negative feelings – I headed to the hospital, unsure of what to expect. Awkward moments followed but over the next year or more, we would come to peace with the feelings of abandonment and of losing a friend. Edythe had a tumor adjacent to her kidney. Kidney cancer that moved to her lungs and her brain. No pain, no symptoms so through God’s grace a simple case of the flu took her to the ER. The next year plus would be filled with chemo, multiple doctor visits as well as long stints in Centra State Hospital.
On May 21st, 2011, Edythe attended our wedding after a brief stay in the hospital. She was DETERMINED to be there and she was – thankfully. The days leading up to September 11th were filled with many emotions. Edythe had been doing well and talked about going home. With a blink of an eye, things changed – the pain intensified until the only relief made her sick and almost comatose. She decided that this was not quality of life. Within 36 hours of asking for Hospice, Edythe was called home to join the rest of the Weston clan – Mom-mom, Pop-pop and Elsie on September 11th.
The words that described those involved in the September 11th attack and recovery efforts describe Edythe:
1. Hero who continued to fight despite the pain. Edythe still remained active in Eastern Star and Rainbow. She gave her time to encourage and inspire others. She was a beautician (I know I am showing my age now) who bought Tempo Hairdressers in Ocean Grove where she worked for many years. I was always in awe of the way that she managed money. Not making a lot by today’s standards, she managed to be debt free, have a home (rental property with a mortgage), a thriving business and live life to the fullest. I wish that some of that money management had of rubbed of on me! Edythe was a HERO!
2. Compassion, Love, Kindness – all have different meanings but are so intertwined. Edythe never had an unkind word for anyone. She would give you the shirt off her back, if you needed it. A trait that we all learned from my grandfather – thank you Pop-pop. This is my mission with my business. Showing compassion, kindness and love to those who are struggling to help them smile!
3. Bravery – Edythe was brave in many areas of her life long before the cancer hit. Some see it as business savvy. She stepped out of the box to create the life she wanted, against all odds. Her strength in those final weeks were beyond belief.
As we reflect on this day, hug the ones you love, forgive the ones who you believe have done you wrong and enjoy the moment with those you love.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 