Boompa and Neta: Helmi ... A Life of Grace and Generosity

My Mother sitting on the bench and her sister Helmi "my other Mother."

What is it that connects two people in that special way that makes the relationship so strong, so easy, and the love flows strong and natural? A love that simply IS!

Helmi is far right..

Helmi (far right)

Helmi (third from left)

How many times I have wondered? Very many times. Thinking it might have something to do with the season in which you were born? Is it connected with the astrological sign? Chance? Or simply chemistry?

Helmi and husband Gunnar with their two children Jan-Otto and Gunn

I do not have the answer still. What I do know is that the persons in my life born in my own birth month, October, or under the same sign Libra, we do have a very special link somehow.

Gunnar and Helmi

My "Other Mother" my Aunt Helmi is on top of that special persons list. She has had a profound influence in my life, teaching me almost everything I know about goodness, generosity, beauty in it's varying forms, humbleness and appreciation.

Helmi and my Mom

Helmi in her self-effacing way has always given more than she received. She was never aware of her many amazing talents. She would sew clothes to order as well as clothes for us, mend for friends and neighbours, let out and take in seems, she baked the most delectable pastries, cakes and breads using a wood fired stove and oven and cooked and fed multitudes on a dime! She canned and "apple-sauced" like no other. She the ultimate "caretaker" cared for her children, her husband, (another special October person), her Mother, her Father, her sister, (my Mother) my sisters and myself. Helmi tended hers and my Uncles garden. Never wasting a thing! She lived, when I was a little girl, in a flat with no warm water, she warmed water on the wood burning stove for those Friday night baths in a tub placed on the living room floor! She was ALWAYS happy that you came to visit! When you left there was apple sauce and cake in your bag and some money in your pocket.

Later property was purchased, a house was built, with the help of family and friends. There was warm running water and an electric stove. Imagine all the delectable items prepared there. My cousins were married. Grandchildren arrived. Great grandchildren too. Still, in all that, I was somehow given a special place. There was always room for me too.

We wrote to each other, year after year! Once overseas telephone calls became affordable I would call so we could chat, up until the day when it became difficult for Helmi to hear. The physical distance between us has been far, most of my life, yet Helmi always felt close. I think she always will feel close!

My beloved Moster Helmi transitioned into another realm today! Surrounded by her family holding her hands. It is difficult for me to think of her not physically on this earth. For me to write to, or visit, or hug, or speak to. Something I will miss, terribly.