As I was driving to Mississippi and making the return trip home, I pondered that statement and realized that it was not just a bit of humor. It was true. Those aunts (and a couple of uncles thrown in for good measure) taught me everything I know about being an aunt.
These beautiful ladies are my aunts.
[I really have no idea what Metria is doing:)]
There is a wealth of experiences in that photograph. They have lost parents. They have lost spouses. They have lost siblings. They have lost children and grandchildren. They have battled sickness and disease. But amid those trials, they celebrated. They celebrated each wedding. Each birth. Each small victory over disease. Christmases. Birthdays. Graduations. Family reunions. Watching how they handle all that life throws at them has taught me many, many things.
They taught me how to be strong. How to be confident. How to always try my best - even when I don't want to. They taught me how to embrace each experience - from the once-in-a-lifetime to the mundane. They taught me that it is always better to choose laughter over tears. They taught me how to forgive. How to look for the good in people.
The main thing they taught me was the fact that love is a verb. It is an action. It requires a choice - one made daily. And it sounds trite and simplistic but they taught me that love is dedicated, steadfast, unfailing.
No matter how old I get, no matter how far I wander - I always know that I have them in my corner. They are my cheering section. They will always be my supporters and my defenders. They will always laugh with me. They will always share my burdens and lighten my load. They will always let me do things that my Mom would not - like jump on the bed:) They will always listen without judging. They will always make spaghetti and cheese just for me! They will always make me feel special. Welcome. Loved.
They are the best examples a girl could hope for. I hope I am worthy of passing on this wonderful legacy.
8 comments:
I can say without a doubt that YOU are worthy of passing on this legacy. Every child should have an aunt like YOU. {I did, and she is still ONE Of my favorite people on the planet!}
xxoxoxoxxo
Awwlll, love that post.
I have a few aunties that I totally love too.
Wow. What beauties. Inside and out. You are all amazing!
How neat ---and you are one of those fabulous Aunts...
I didn't have many role models. None of my grandparents were alive when I was little. I had a few Great Aunts --but none that really stand out in my mind now.
Glad you had such a marvelous experience. Are all of the women sisters ---or just cousins to each other???
Hugs,
Betsy
Hugs,
You have a wonderful staff of teachers in these aunts. They definitely taught you some very wonderful and valuable lessons. And I suspect that you were a very good student and learned those lessons well.
You are very lucky indeed to have such a great family. Love the little kid hanging out in the background, haha!
Well said. Bravo!
Wow, this really makes me wish I'd been adopted. Frankly, I learned most of the same from the nuns at boarding school. Guess I missed out on more than I ever realized. I'd have given ANYTHING for my kids to have an aunt, especially one like you.
Post a Comment