THE AUNTS

 

Daddy was the only boy in a house full of sisters. Sisters who became the matriarchs of my life.

My family had left Houston and lived away for many years when Aunt Donna invited me to come back to visit. I found myself quickly immersed in the “aunt hill.”

Aunt Donna was the oldest sister and was a professional woman I seldom saw without her hair fixed and her clothes immaculate. In addition to modeling style, she modeled work ethics and a devotion to her Christian faith. She allowed me to remain with her after the summer ended and she and my grandmother were my “house mothers” through my senior year of high school.

When I posted a recent blog about my great grandmother, I mentioned that she was tough and not a “sweet old lady.” This was mostly based on stories Daddy had shared. Aunt Ethel called to give me another perspective of Great Grandma Brown as a woman who helped those in need, was kind to persons who were different and provided love and care for her large extended family. For philosophical, theological or political discussion, I have Aunt Ethel. She made me a thinker – and also made my wedding dress.

How is it possible for the same person to have the most frighteningly stern look and the most contagious and hearty laugh? After my 18^th wedding anniversary, I called Aunt Mona to request the receipt for the iron she had given us as a wedding gift. I told her it no longer worked and needed to be returned. I called because I wanted to hear that laugh. And she did not disappoint. However, although I never wanted to be the recipient of the stern look, I do wish I had mastered it when I was raising children.

I am only 9 years younger than Aunt Cathy so after a time of adoring her when I was a child and she was a teenager, we were friends. After I graduated from high school, she encouraged me to apply to Brown and Root, Inc. where she worked. I lived with her, worked with her and my wedding reception was at her house. Then we raised kids together. 

Daddy and his siblings gathered regularly to laugh, tell stories, share memories and celebrate their love for one another. When Daddy died, I was made an honorary member of the sibling group to represent his branch of the family tree. Last November we gathered to celebrate the shared November 2 birthday of Aunt Donna and Aunt Ethel. They have been together on that date for the last 88 years.

On March 5 we gathered again - to celebrate the love and life of Aunt Donna. 

In her article “Benefits of Aunts,” Christine Ruggeri says:

“Research refers to the aunt-niece relationship as “quasi-parenthood,” in that an aunt isn’t the mother, but she does play a role in raising and shaping the life of her niece. Aunts serve as a safety net, a comforter, protector and supporter.”

 It is often said that life “is no picnic.” Those who say that didn’t have the right aunts to share the picnic with.