April 3rd will be a day to honor my Aunt, my dad’s sister, who held a very special place in my heart.

For much of my life, I felt abandoned by that side of my family. When we reunited, she became the missing puzzle piece I didn’t even realize I had been searching for. The bond we built, though brief, meant more to me than words can express. Her presence in my life helped heal something deep inside me and gave me a sense of belonging I had longed for for many years.

Her willingness to reconnect, to make space for me, and to welcome me reminded me that family ties and love can still find their way back to us. I will always be grateful that we found each other again and that I was able to know her, even if it was later in life.

She will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest peacefully, Aunt Mercy. Thank you for being the piece that made my heart feel whole.  You will always be loved & missed tremendously 🤍

About eight years ago,  my aunt Mercedes found us online and reached out. She was our father’s sister, and although our father had been absent from our lives, she made the choice to connect with me and my four siblings and become part of our lives.

That meant more than words can really explain.

She didn’t have to search for us, but she did. She made the effort to meet us, to know us, and to build a relationship with us. In many ways, she became the only connection we had to that side of our family, and we are so grateful that she chose to be part of our lives.

Even though we lived in different states and weren’t part of each other’s everyday routines, she always made the effort. She traveled to see each of us and welcomed us to visit her. Whenever we did, she made sure we had an amazing time. She created memories with us that we will always carry in our hearts.

My aunt was beautiful inside and out. She had a warmth and kindness that made people feel comfortable, valued, and loved. She was always so proud of us and of the lives we were building, and she made sure we knew it.

In a family where there had been distance and absence, she chose something different. She chose connection. She chose love. And because of that, she gave us something we otherwise might never have had—a relationship with someone from our father’s side who truly cared.

I will always be thankful that she reached out and wanted to know us. Those years meant so much to us, and the love she showed will never be forgotten.

Some people are part of your life from the beginning, and others come into your life later and change it forever. My aunt may have come into our lives later, but the love she gave us will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Rest peacefully. You will always be loved, and you will never be forgotten. ❤️