The "she" I'm referring to was my Great Aunt Alice... I just called her Aunt Alice - her and Uncle Howard always called me "Toots." I reminded them of one of their daughters who had died in her 20's. Uncle Howard is my grandmother's youngest brother and he and my dad were close. Growing up we always spent some time with them. They were at all of my big events... At my wedding Uncle Howard got all teary eyed and said "Sammy would have been so happy to be here." Sammy being my dad... Aunt Alice and Uncle Howard adored my dad and he felt the same about them. Uncle Howard was my token stand in for my dad. Another uncle walked me down the aisle, but truthfully Uncle Howard and Aunt Alice were the connection for me to feel as if my dad was at my wedding.
Aunt Alice had a very distinct voice and I can't quite imitate it, but it always sounded as if she was sucking on something while she was talking it was a little bird like and she pursed her lips. D got a kick out of her the first time he met her and she loved him (my husband has that effect on people apparently).
I know old age is not a bad thing, but it sucks when it takes your family and for me - my dad's side of the family keeps dwindling smaller and smaller... D and I plan on visiting Uncle Howard soon... he turns 95 on Wednesday (actually on 2/29, but ya know how that goes). The last time he and I saw one another he kept telling me about his bad ticker... Aunt Alice told me about hers as well... for such a small lady she had a very big heart. She will be greatly missed. The world feels just a bit smaller than it did before...
Although I have a feeling she's up in heaven - barking orders and giving my dad a very stern talking to about leaving this earth so soon and the reunion with her daughter Donna Marie I'm sure was very sweet...
Below is a picture of Aunt Alice and Uncle Howard at our wedding... it almost looks as if they're pulling each of us closer to the two of them. Their hugs were ferocious and boy am I going to miss those hugs.
8 comments:
My sympathies, Sami. To you and your Great Aunt's family
my condolences, Sam.
I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. She sounds like an amazing woman!
Oh Sami, it doesn't matter how old someone is when they leave this place. If you were close, it was too soon. I lost my Aunt Maggie at the age of 90 back in 1991. I miss her terribly to this day. My thoughts are with you.
No matter how we may have tried to mentally prepare for something like this, it's still never easy, but it shouldn't be. You of all people know that with joy comes sorrow. But we survive, and her memory lives on in you. Hugs.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your fond memories of her give you comfort.
I've come by way of the great blog roundup.
My condolances.
Stopping by from the Friday roundup . . . What a beautiful tribute to your aunt and extended family. I'm sorry the time was still too short.
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