Friends Lost and Found

My mom’s side of the family are cool people! As kids, my siblings and I were allowed to call our aunts and uncles by their first name. We’ve had our share of fun times…day trips, game nights, and hanging out at grandma’s house. To this day, my mother’s sister is like a mom to me. She’s the person I go to with good news, with heartaches, and when I just need to be with a close friend. We enjoy going out for dinner, playing games and traveling together.

For years, I was afraid of my dad’s aunts! Aunt Mable and Aunt Anna were spinsters and they looked so old! They shared an upstairs apartment in the same town I grew up in. When dad would announce we were going to visit the aunts, my eyes would bulge and I would look toward my brother and see the scared look on his face. Visiting the aunts was not fun. We had to wear our Sunday best clothes and were given the “do’s and don’ts” lecture on the drive over. When at the aunts’ house, we lived by the “do not speak unless spoken to” rule. My sister, two brothers and I were so bored listening to the adult conversation. Once every two or three months we were invited for dinner. I learned to swallow green peas whole, drink diluted pepsi and how to fold my napkin. My poor sister had to entertain us with a piano concert.

During one of our dreaded visits, Aunt Mable insisted that I go downstairs with her to deliver a loaf of bread. In the downstairs apartment lived Uncle Olath and Aunt Ethel, whom I had only met once at a funeral. My dad gave me a look, letting me know I better behave myself. Much to my surprise, I heard laughter behind their door! Aunt Ethel warmly greeted us and insisted that we join them for a game of “King on the Corner.” As we played, Uncle Olath and Aunt Ethel were stern and boring just like the other aunts. Aunt Mable stood up and said that she needed to get back to her company, but that I could stay and learn how to properly shuffle cards. As soon as she left their apartment, Uncle Olath did a little toe dancing step! I was shocked! He then pulled out and lit a cigar and offered me a chocolate. As we played another round of cards, Aunt Ethel was cracking jokes!!! I loved spend time with the two of them and found excuses to go downstairs. Of course each time I returned to the upstairs apartment, I put on a serious face and remained quiet.

As time went by, I learned to love and appreciate my great aunts. To this day, I’m thankful for the lessons that I’ve learned from them. And when I think about Uncle Olath and Aunt Ethel, I can’t help but smile.

What are some of your childhood memories regarding relatives? When’s the last time you thanked your aunt, grandpa or cousin for being part of your life? If these relatives are no longer living, how about sharing a special memory of them with your family?

Listen to your heart…