The girls and I went to a bridal shower recently for the sweet young woman who’ll be marrying our cousin later this month. We had a wonderful time, and on the way home I thought about the aunt who hosted the shower and what a blessing she—and all of my aunts—have been in my life.
How, when I was growing up, they took me to concerts and to tea. How they gave me bridal and baby showers that I will never forget. How they painted our nursery so that it looked like a glorious summer garden. How they held my babies and chased my toddlers around at family gatherings so I could have time to eat and visit.
How they taught me how to feed a crowd and that everyone loves roasted red peppers. How you should always keep a basket of toys around for small children even when yours are grown. How creativity can add so much to your life, whether it’s a crocheted baby blanket, a beautifully decorated room, a handmade necklace, or a decadent dessert.
How they met us at the airport when we brought Lily home and gave her a panda that she still carries around to this day. How they cared for us after Tim’s accident and even put together an amazing birthday party for Lexie while Tim was still in the hospital. How they cared for Grandma Charlotte when the dementia took hold. How they worked with Grandma to create a cookbook full of her recipes so we’d never forget.
They’ve shown me how to take care of children, how to have a long and happy marriage, how to embrace life and put family first.
I’ve barely scratched the surface of all they’ve done, but I hope they know how much I love and appreciate them.
Do you have aunts who have loved and inspired you? Or maybe you’re an aunt yourself. What do you do to make your nieces and nephews feel special?
{ image: Aunt Cheryl painting the nursery! }
Amen, Shannon. Thank you for putting into words what’s been in my head the past few months. I’m blessed to have amazing aunts on both sides of my family. They’ve been the ones who I turned to when my parents just didn’t get it, when I needed something besides the “mom voice” and had the recipes when I wanted to make Christmas cookies in the summer.
Their love and perspective has been in the forefront recently when my namesake aunt was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. She is the jam making master in our family – and I’m bound and determined to learn her secret. Thanks again for writing this today and helping frame my thoughts a bit.
Shannon,
What a lovely tribute to some amazing women. Not having any sisters growing up, they became my sisters and have been a blessing in my life too.
Mom/Diane
What a sweet posting, Shannon. A bit of a trip down memory lane, too. We have been richly blessed in our family and I so love and appreciate you all.
Amy, I’m so sorry about your aunt. It must mean so much to her that you value her jam-making skills. It’s really lovely of you to keep that special part of your family going.