Last weekend, I couldn’t help but cry uncontrollably in the shower, my heart and soul pouring out of me and falling down to my feet and exiting through the drain. The past 365 days have went by so fast, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional wave that had sneaked up on me. A year ago today, my great-aunt, Eva McCall, left this world, taken by much more powerful forces. She had accepted that she would die one day, long before she took her last breath. She was ready for the next chapter in her life, prepared to meet her passed family and friends once again, including her beloved, George.
People I’ve known and cared for have died before, but not one created the void in my heart the way loosing Eva did for me. If you’ve read my numerous posts, letters and Youtube videos, you know why she meant so much to me. She wasn’t just an aunt, she was a mentor, fellow author and friend. She, as a person, as well as the many talents she possessed, took my life in directions I don’t think either of us anticipated. She continues to do that for me, even in death.
So many things have happened in the year since Eva went to be with the Lord. For one, a scholarship was endowed in her honor, which I thank each and every one of you for your support (if you haven’t donated yet, and still wish to do so, you can visit this link [make sure to address it to The Eva McCall Memorial Scholarship]). For me, I’ve continued to talk to Eva, through my dreams, and yes, I have no doubt it was really her. With the inspiration she left within me, I finished and published my latest book, Disciple, which was co-dedicated in her memory. And finally, the writer’s group she helped found in Franklin was perfectly renamed in her honor, called Eva’s Heart.
Not a day goes by when I don’t think about Eva multiple times. When I wake up in the morning, right before reality sets back in, I think, “I need to call miss Eva today.” I constantly admire the purple African violet that once belonged to her, and was so generously given to me. And I am constantly reminded of her with the wonderful stories family and friends have told me about her. My memories and experiences with her were just a part of who she was as a person, and it’s been a joyous experience to piece together other’s memories and stories of Eva with mine, making her an even better and amazing person.
Over the past year, I have been comforted by several songs that remind me of Eva. I’ve already told you the story that connects my numerous experiences with Eva to the burlesque entertainer, Gypsy Rose Lee. But other songs have touched my heart, healing it with Eva’s love. A Year Ago Today by Delta Goodrem, one of my all-time favorite musicians, is one of those songs. I’ve provided excerpts of the song for you to read. To listen to the full song, click here.
Another year older
A little bit stronger
A little bit wiser than
A year ago today
Looking over my shoulder
I was so much younger then
Oh I can’t believe what happened
A year ago today
And I just can’t forget about it
It wouldn’t mean a thing
You went away
A year ago today
Another year gone by
Oh the tears have run dry
Life seemed so unkind
A year ago today
And I just can’t understand it
I don’t think I ever will
You went away
A year ago today
…
You’ve gotta pick yourself up,
Take another look
And dust yourself off cause life’s too good,
I’ll say it to myself and I’ll say it again
Love will never end
And though we’re so far apart
You’re forever in my heart
Another year older
A little bit stronger
On this anniversary
You’re watching over me
You went away
A year ago today
You went away
A year ago today
Today, as we mourn the day Eva, one of the nicest, wisest and most talented people we ever knew, passed away, let us share the stories we have that are treasured in our hearts. This day will be a difficult one for us, as will this day next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. But we will always have our memories of her, and those memories will comfort us and allow us to not only remember her, but celebrate her life again and again.
Oh what a lady…..being part of Eva’s final journey changed everyone. I remember the everyday things like coffee in the mornings, Susy and Eva on the front poarch always up to something. Evenings of television and Word with Friends, it was a group effort, not just spelling the words but each day. Everyone put in their support, local family and friends as well as out of town family and friends and nobody remained unchanged. We were all given the opportunity to be wiser and better prepared because Eva showed us how it is done….finishing that final chapter with determination and courage. Until we meet again.