She watched over me when I was little, and my parents were both working. She would let me play beauty shop, and she was my client; and I did not do her justice, being a little girl with a makeup brush and a comb. But she didn’t care, she just laughed and built me up anyway. She has never forgotten my birthday or to bring me prizes when I have gone through scary health stuff. She shows up to all of my kid’s performances, with a congratulatory gift, just as she always did for me. She greets me with a smile and laughter echoes her home, as though it never leaves. She has lovingly saved every piece of writing of mine over the years. Cherishing it like it was worth something priceless. Till this day no one leaves her house hungry. It’s like she is preparing us for hibernation. For if it isn’t the best meal we’ve ever eaten, or a dessert with calories we don’t count or snacks of the variety and candy in every nook and cranny, everyone always leaves full. Though not just from the food, but a filled heart with love from someone who always fills it. She has this incredible ability to not give up on people and love them unconditionally. She loves God. She loves people. It is safe to say she is exactly who God called her to be. She built her life around love and nurturing those in whom God has placed in her life. I don’t see her as often as I should or I would like to. But I hope she knows that she means a tremendous amount to me and I have so appreciated all the ways that she has brought joy in my life and in the lives of those around her. My great Aunt has a special place in my heart and I have appreciated all the years of encouragement in my writing and my character. Friend, the way we love others ripples deeper into their hearts than we realize. I hope someday that others will see my home as a place of refuge and love. That they will see my heart as a place of joy and laughter. For loved ones are a blessing and people that God places in our lives are treasures. May we love well and intentional. I think I will visit her soon, yeah, I need to remind her how valuable she is to me. Go visit a loved one my friend. Love them well and let them know that you are grateful to God for them.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Love with Intention

Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Proverbs 31:29 NIV

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”