Tribute to Aunt Val

Valerie Marie (White) Monk

August 25, 1950-December 10, 2008

Our family is mourning the loss of a wonderful woman this past week. Brad's Aunt Val who lost her 1 year battle with pancreatic cancer passed away on December 10th. I was blessed to have met her 9 years ago while at a family wedding. She was Brad's mom's middle sister. For those of you who don't know, Brad's mom was taken from us suddenly as well in July of 1995. We know without a doubt that Aunt Val is dancing with her sister Carol along side our heavenly father.

Over the past 9 years I have gotten to know Aunt Val, her husband Chuck (married for 35 plus years) and their 2 daughters (Brad's cousins), Aimee (21) and Angela (16). After moving to Chattanooga from Houston, TX in 2004, we have got to spend many occasions, celebrations as well as the hard times with her and the family. It has been great for Brad to have this part of his family so close and to have someone that loves him like a son and for her to get to know his children. After being diagnosed December, 2007, we have prayed along side her and the rest of the family.

We were able to go to a memorial service in celebration of her life on Tuesday in Chattanooga. It was so much more than a celebration. The church was packed worshiping and praising God. Though many tears were shed, we all know that she is better where she is now. Just a bit of the service included a women signing "I can only imagine."

Here are a few pictures over the last 4 years....

These two pictures are taken from Aidan's 1st birthday party over 4 years ago.

This is the last time the kids were able to see her walking around this summer.
We took dinner up to them and she was able to hold Carsyn. Although no pictures were taken in November when we went up to see her one last time, we were able to take Carsyn into the room to see her and to show her how much she had grown.

We will miss you Aunt Val!